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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

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

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

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?

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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!)

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...

PTB March Challenge Winners!

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:16:51 EDT

First off, the winner of the short challenge is: madonnaontherocks with his amazing recycled pendant:

There was only one entry for the long challenge, but that doesn't mean we can't show it off. tsavorite-fist created these pair of boxers stenciled with... motor oil? I'm impressed!

The rest of the entries will be up on our photostream sometime this week. The next month of challenges is coming up... so get ready to show off your skills!

DIY Graphic Coasters: Style Me Pretty

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:17:17 EDT

A couple weeks ago I posted on some terrific woven button coasters. The coasters pictured here, of the graphic variety, also look easy and of endless possibility. Plus, I've come across a ton of questions in the forums asking for how-to's on old paper. This craft is listed in Style Me Pretty, a wedding blog, but I think they'd look chic any-old-where!

Materials

Square ceramic tiles (about 16 cents each for 4 1/2" squares)
Decoupage glue, Mod Podge or craft glue diluted with water
Paper you like: cardstock, scrapbook, recycled holiday or birthday cards, pages from a book, whatever!
Felt or cork board for backing
Paper cutter
Heavy-duty glue
Ribbon (if you want to tie them up as a little gift package)
Waterproof acrylic sealer in spray or paint can
Foam brush

What to do:

1) Clean the tiles with alcohol to remove smudges/fingerprints. Be sure you’re working on a non-stick surface like plastic or vinyl.

2) Cut your paper into squares 1/4″ smaller than your tile.

3) Brush the tile with decoupage glue. Use a generous coat, since you want all parts of your paper to bond permanently. You must work quickly, as it begins drying immediately.

4) Center your paper on the tile. Press the paper to the tile firmly, beginning in the middle and working your way outwards, eliminating air bubbles. Pay extra attention to the edges. These must adhere well, otherwise the paper will peel. Allow this layer to dry, 10 to 15 minutes.

5) Apply a layer of decoupage glue to the top of the paper. Make sure your brushstrokes are uniform and run in only one direction, as you will be able to see them (lightly) when the glue dries. Allow this layer to dry 15 to 20 minutes.

6) Brush another layer of decoupage glue over the coaster. You can make your brushstrokes in the same direction or the opposite direction (horizontally). The latter will produce a hatchmark effect.

7) Continue adding layers of decoupage glue until you are satisfied with the look and then repeat the process of sealing with waterproof acrylic sealer, brushing on a layer and allowing it to dry. If using spray sealant, follow directions on the can. With either, make sure you are in a well ventilated area and you follow the precautions on the product! I wait at least one day before adding the sealer to make sure that my coasters are thoroughly dry. Each sealer has a different curing time; check yours for the appropriate number of hours/days it will take to dry.

8. When the coasters are completely sealed and dry, cut the felt to the appropriate size to match your tiles. Use the heavy-duty glue to affix the felt square to the bottom of the tile. Most heavy-duty glues require adequate ventilation! Again, be sure to follow manufacturer’s directions and precautions. The same process applies to the use of rolled cork board. Wait a few days before packaging to make sure that the adhesive no longer has an odor.

9. Pour yourself a glass of iced tea and test em' out!

Thanks to Style Me Pretty!

News from Abroad: Stiches and Craft Show in Melbourne

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:27:41 EDT

Ever wondered if DIY goes down under? Well the Stiches and Craft Show recently hit up Melbourne Australia to massive crowds (the picture above was just before opening). The Craft Bars, where people could complete a 30 minute craft from a "cocktail style" menu were packed and crafters had plenty of handmade to browse! In four weeks the show will commence in Brisbane and then in Sydney in August, so if you happen to be on the east coast of the outback, don't miss it!

Craft Talk

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 14:19:15 EDT

I fricken love Leslie Hall.

Weekly DIY Roundup: Sock Monkeys!

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:38:14 EDT

When I saw Threadbanger blogger Heather Mann's awesome Jemaine Clement sock monkey (from Flight of the Conchords) I decided I had to do a sock monkey roundup! You can see some traditional sock monkey love on sockmonkey.com (and lots more sites if you do a search) but I'm going to show you non-traditional monkeys here! Starting with the winner of craftster's sock monkey challenge: Mr. T, made by therealgigantor with 100% recycled materials!

You can see all of the challenge's entries here - I also love Gishygoo's Homer Simpanzee:

Also on craftster, SeeMellySew made this amazing Spider-Man sock monkey!

Over on Instructables, poopscape shows us how to make a Sock Skeleton:

Craftbits has a tutorial for a simple sock monkey, made more fun by using colorful striped socks:

Boing Boing pointed me to Jek in the Box's amazing sock monkeys - including the sock monkey de milo, happy sock buddha, the sock monkey de willendorf, and saras sock vati:

Rebecca Yaker makes incredible sock monkey creations - Craft blog did posts about her work here and here, and Neatorama showed us one of her other dresses. It's hard to choose, but I think my favorite piece is the horrifically awesome Sock Monkeys in a Blender:

Before I move on to knit and crochet monkey patterns, I'll give you this link to one last monkey on Verkstad - this one is 6 feet tall, made from all recycled materials, and not quite work-appropriate (depending on where you work) so no picture here.

Caron has a free crochet pattern for this Sock Monkey Toy:

CrochetKitten has a pdf download for this cute Sock Monkey Hand Puppet:

Mummble-Jummble2 has a free knitting pattern for Nean the Bean's Sockless Sock Monkey:

Here's a two-parter for you - My Knitting Basket designed these cute gloves inspired by sock monkey socks:

...And then Yoelknits designed Sock Monkey Heads to go with the gloves!

Over on knitty, Sheryl Lange designed this adorable Sock Monkey Hat:

And lastly, back to sewing, Stavro on Instructables shows us how to make this Sock Monkey costume for a toddler:

Ok I hope you enjoyed this monkey-tastic roundup! Let us know if I missed any good ones in the comments, and show off your monkeys in the forums!

Our Top Ten Favorite T-Shirt Recons OF ALL TIME!

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:01:04 EDT

Kat Von D's T-shirt Cutting Class

Ryan Moore's Shorts from and old Tee link to forum thread

How to turn a T-shirt into a sexy dress with Gianny L

Zombied's No Sew Dangerous Skirt and Top link to forum thread

How To Make a Bikini, Bklyn Renegade Craft Fair, Thread Heads

Found My Frisbee's Sharpie/Bleach Tees link to forum thread

Striped Rockstar Shirt, Andrew Hanson, Fashion Enemy

April Pie's Slashed Tees link to forum

Chaos T-shirt Reconstruction by Compai See how-to HERE

Kiira-chan's Button up T Recon link to forum thread

Bonus VIDEO Adam Saaks (in German)

There are hundreds if not thousands of different things you can do with old tee-shirts. Do you have any favorites? Let us know in the comments below!!

Not Yo Mama's Craft Fair! In Jersey City, tomorrow!

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:13:16 EDT

All East Coast craft kids be aware: Not Yo Mama's Craft Fair is open tomorrow, Saturday March 29th, from 10 am until 3 pm. Located half block from the Grove Street PATH station at the LITM restaurant-gallery (140 Newark Ave between Erie and Grove Sts, Jersey City, NJ; 201-536-5557), this craftacular is shillin' art, glass work, jewelry, clothing, purses, buttons, bath goods and more! The first 100 faces through the door score a free swag bag!

While you're parked in NJ (and after 3) visit Not Yo Mama organizers Leah Siegel-Picus, Sophie Penkrat and Megan Gulick's vintage store, Another Man's Treasure at 353 Grove St at Bay St. It's packed and stacked with clothing, records, books and rare rock finds just in case you need another dose of shop shop after the fair. Have a fantastic craft weekend!

Dye Eggs With Silk Ties

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 23:48:28 EDT

Recycle thrifted silk ties! Wrap a piece of silk around eggs to dye them with beautiful and stunning patterns! I found this project on Martha and it rocked my world so I had to try it myself!

Project Materials:

Raw eggs, on hand
Silk ties, blouses, or boxers, on hand or thrifted
Cheesecloth, old nylon stockings, or old cloth to cover silk-wrapped eggs
Yarn, string, or another method for closing the wrap around the eggs, on hand
3 Tablespoons of vinegar, on hand

Finding the Ties:

I went to my local Goodwill Outlet (aka “The Bins” where stuff is sold by the pound) and scored ten silk ties (total cost: about $2). Be sure ties are 100% silk. You will usually find a tag near one end or the other of the tie that tells you if it is made of silk. If you can’t find a tag, silk ties have a soft and fine feel to them.

What to look for: bright, dark, and small-patterned ties work best! Larger-patterned ties are more abstract, but still pretty. Maroons tend to bleed throughout the entire batch (if you want to avoid this, keep all the maroons together in a separate pot). Lighter ties will make a lighter (or nearly invisible) pattern.

Cutting the Ties:

I started the first tie by ripping the whole thing apart by the seams, and quickly decided that I’d rather just cut a piece of tie off, rip it open, and wrap. Whatever you decide to do, you will want to open the tie up, remove any lining, tags, and interfacing, and just use the single piece of silk.

Wrapping the Egg:

Wrap the piece of silk GOOD SIDE toward the egg. If your silk has an image you want to imprint on the egg (as in the deer picture in the silk shown here), be sure the image is flush against the egg.

After the silk is wrapped around the egg, secure it by wrapping another layer of fabric around the egg. I used cheesecloth because I had it on hand, but it would be super easy to use old nylons or tights, or any old stash fabric or old (ruined) clothing you have. Secure with a piece of yarn, a rubber band, or each end with a twisty tie.

Boiling the Eggs:

When you are done wrapping your eggs (I used a big pot and put enough eggs in to cover the bottom of the pot in one layer), put water in your pot, enough to cover eggs. Add 3 tablespoons of vinegar. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 20 minutes.

Drain the eggs, allow to cool, and unwrap! You can re-use the silk to make more eggs, if you like.

Find more pictures of eggs and other swell ideas at Dollar Store Crafts.

PTB March Long Challenge

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:58:31 EDT

Hey, everyone! The long challenge for this month is due this Saturday at midnight EST.

Long Challenge:
Budget: $15

Make some pajamas! This can be a long sleep shirt, drawstring pants for men, a shirt/pants combo, or your traditional footies.

Must incorporate some sort of pattern, checks, polka dots, houndstooth, etc. The fabric can be patterned, or create your own with paints/inks, etc.

This long challenge also must incorporate some "traditionally" recycled item. Creativity is paramount! ("Traditionally" recycled items include paper, plastic, aluminum, etc.)

Remember, if you win Project ThreadBanger, you will receive some sweet ThreadBanger swag. So be sure to get your entries in!

Independent Handbag Designer Awards from Handbag Designer 101

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EDT

The Third Annual Independent Handbag Awards is accepting designer submissions until April 15th. These awards, which commence June 17th at The New York Historical Society provide an opportunity for emerging independent designers to be recognized and stand out! Here are some of the indie and eco-friendly categories we like:

Best Student-made Handbag (prize is a prestigious apprenticeship)
Most Socially Responsible Handbag
Best Handmade Handbag (prize is a sewing machine and a featured pattern on a well-known site)
Best Green Handbag (prize is a collarbortive opportunity with a known Green brand)

To register in the preliminary selection round, you just need to upload a digital image to Handbagdesigner101 before April 15, 2009. Finalists will be announced shortly thereafter!

Win Summer's Book, Style Naturally!!

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:21:29 EDT

I love this book...full of pictures, tips, stories and printed on recycled paper! You cannot beat that.

How do you win???? Well, we will be randomly picking 5 people who follow us on twitter to recieve a copy of the book. Already follow us on twitter? GREAT, you are in the running! Don't follow us on twitter? Get your butt over there and follow us! We will be picking and contacting the winners on April 8th, 2009. If you do not get contacted on April 8th...sorry you didn't win this time but we have a bunch more give aways planned so don't shed any tears. xoxo c

April Fools' Day Pranks and Gags, Etsy

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EDT

Get subversive this April 1st with tons of gag gifts on Etsy. I adore the Crabby Poop Bunny (above) and Peppermint Denture Soap, and you can vote on your favorites until March 30th as well. There's 60 to choose from so far! The winners will be posted in the gift guides on Etsy. Seriously. This blog post is no joke.

Crazy for Quilts 2009 Contest! The Alliance for American Quilts

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EDT

The Alliance for American Quilts (AAQ) is hosting a quilt contest with wonderful prizes: 1st place is valued at $750 - $1000, 2nd includes a generous array of quilting tools and supplies valued at $500 and 3rd includes EQC software and books valued at $250. There are two easy categories for entering - Ages 30 and younger, and Ages over 30 - and the only constraint is that the finished quilt must be 16" by 16" in size (2009 marks AAQ's 16th birthday!) and must consist of three layers.

Crazy for Quilts! entrants are encouraged to draw inspiration from one or more aspect of the crazy quilt: design, color, fabric, surface embellishment, history or some other aspect of this style that you want to celebrate. There's room in this contest for all styles; from traditional approaches to art quilts. The quilts will be exhibited on The Alliance’s website as well as national venues including the National Quilting Association’s annual show in Columbus, Ohio, June 18-20, 2009. The quilts will be auctioned and the proceeds will go to The Alliance for American Quilts.

Postmark your quilt by June 1st, 2009 with an entry fee of $5 for AAQ members and $25 for non-members, include an artist statement of 75 words with the entry form found on this page. Name, title of quilt and date must be securely sewn on the back of the quilt. Happy quilting!

Fused Plastic Shopping Bag

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:11:34 EDT

How-to make a shopping bag out of fused plastic:
*For the small shopping bag you will need 8 fused squares for the body of the bag and two fused rectangles for the handles.
* For the large shopping bag, you will need 12 fused squares for the body of the bag and 4 fused rectangles for the handles.

- Over lap the squares and sew them together using a zig zag stitch. 4 squares for the front. 4 squares for the back. (for the Large shopping bag, six squares for the front and back)
* When you are sewing the plastic together, do not go over the same spot a bunch of times or it will weaken the plastic and make it break.
- Place the front and back together, right sides facing in towards each other and sew a seam down both sides and across the bottom.
- Cut off any excess material on the outside of the seam.
- "Square" the bottom of the bag by creating a triangle with the two corners, sewing a zig zap stitch from on side to the other and cutting off the excess.
- Turn the bag right side out.
- Fold the the top of the bag in to create a simple hem and sew it down using a zig zag stitch.
- For the handles, take one of your rectangles and fold the two sides inward. Then sew a zig zag stitch down both sides. Repeat with rectangle 2 for the second handle. (for the large shopping bag, sew to rectangles together at the ends then proceed with folding and sewing)
- Attach one to the front and one to the back as shown.

And you have a reusable shopping bag!!

Bag Pattern

ETSY on CNN! When Crafters Meet Programmers, Interview with Rob Kalin

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:00:34 EDT

Breaking news! ETSY founder Rob Kalin talks to CNN about how he launched the online handmade marketplace to much success - for both ETSY and the independent crafters and designers therein. Congrats to ETSY and everyone involved!

Embedded video from CNN Video

Celebrity DIY Style: Courtney Cox Color Block Dress

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:28:46 EDT

Sometimes the best dresses are simple enough to let the fabric speak for itself. Courteney Cox started filming her new televison program, Couger Town, and wore a stunning color block dress while shooting scenes. Recreating this dress starts with finding a basic 'sundress' style pattern (such as New Look 6699). Alter the design by cutting a wide vertical strip from the pattern for the white fabric, a smaller vertical strip for the red, and leaving the rest of the dress untouched - don't forget to leave seam allowances on each side of the strip so the finished measurements don't change. Prefer a 'no sew' method to this look? Try using fabric paints! Block off the areas to be painted with blue painter's tape to keep your lines crisp and straight. Don't forget to heat set your work when you're finished so your new dress stays color fast.

Best Dollar Store Crafts of the Week

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 01:33:56 EDT

Check out some of the best dollar store craft projects from this week!

Cuddly Portable Speaker

Buy a cute stuffed animal and cheap portable speakers to increase the cuteness factor when you listen to music with your iPod or laptop. This is a great boyfriend or brother gift! Total cost for project: $2

Woven Measuring Tape Pouch

Buy cloth measuring tapes, weave them together, have super-cute pouch! I love the ric rac accent on this one! Total project cost: $3.50

And while we're talking about measuring tapes, how about a cute belt?

Measuring Tape Belt

Pay $20 for one of these at a mall store, or make your own. Total cost: $2

Check out more great Dollar Store Crafts here! Let me know if you've made anything great lately!

Seventeen Magazine: Threadbanger Shoutout!

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:13:55 EDT

In Seventeen Magazine's awesome April issue readers submitted different tips for goin' green. Colleen, from Crystal Lake, Illinois (that's where I'm from too!) gave a shout-out to Threadbanger! Colleen said, "I like to make my own clothes to be more green: threadbanger.com teaches me how to make anything I want." Remember, our forum is full of recommendations from threadheads like you. Let us know what you'd like to see in the show and we'll try our best to make it happen! It's easy being green! Happy first-day-of-spring!

Weekly DIY Roundup: Unwanted Vinyl Record Projects!

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:05:30 EDT

I asked my online friends what they wanted to see me round up and heard them reply "old records!" which just happens to be a craft material that I know and love!! (I love collecting and listening to vinyl too, but I craft with the ones no one would want to listen to!) I'll start with the most common vinyl craft project, record bowls - you can find tons of how-tos all over blog world; the ones above and below are both, by fungus amungus on instructables.

The same person on instructables also has a tutorial for a Dali style melting clock, which I totally love, but you can definitely use the clock part of the how-to without the melting part to just make a basic record clock:

And a third one from fungus amungus, I love this candlestick holder:

Pink of perfection blog show us how to make this great mail organizer:

Back over on instructables, Cynicalifornian shares this vinyl record table lamp:

Chrisjob on curbly shows us how to make awesome LP coasters, if you have the right power tools.

And on to some record accessories... The DIY Network has a how-to by Jennifer Perkins for record cuffs:

CraftBits has a couple vinyl tutorials; first, these cute little record rings:

And then there's this record headband:

Impybat on Cut Out + Keep made these vinyl record earrings - of course you could leave off the adornments if you wanted to.

I love these 45 ipod cases, spotted on treehugger.com - they are for sale (so no how-to) but if you get really good at working with vinyl you might be able to make one yourself!

Scrapsupply has a video tutorial for making a book from a record - you'll need to have book-making tools, but I love the result!

Make magazine's blog has a mini-roundup of record projects (where I found some of mine), including these amazing laser cut silhouettes made by Carlos Aires:

If you have old issues of Craft magazine, I did a recycle it column in issue 06 with vinyl projects, as well as a few album cover projects. I don't know if this link will work for everyone, but you might be able to see the whole article here (if not, you can see a couple photos from it in this post). Like I said before, I love listening to vinyl too, as do lots of us weirdos, so don't go destroying any good stuff! Most thrift stores are packed with hundreds of records no one will ever buy to listen to, so choose those unwanted titles for melting and cutting (it breaks my heart a little to see really good music melted into a bowl). Share any projects I missed in the comments, and show everyone your vinyl creations in the forums!

Old Soda Bottles? Make a Pop Purse!

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:00:17 EDT

80% of plastic bottles aren't recycled, but if you have two empty 20 ouncers lying around you can do your part! Green Upgrader and Craftzine found this modern design that can serve as a coin, jewelry or even a little mp3-player caddy! Just cut the bottoms off of two bottles, sew on a zipper and you're green!

TBGuild: Contests, Themes, Promotion !

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:00:34 EDT

If you missed the first blog about the guild banner contest, you haven't completely missed out! The Threadbanger Guild will be having more contests coming soon!

But right now, let's announce the winner of the banner making contest: minniq !
She's a digital media artist, and does all kinds of digital arts (etsy time!!)

Thanks to everyone else who entered! <3

Contests:
The TBGuild would love to have a monthly contest, with small prizes, such as automatically becoming a member. Now, if you don't know anything about the guild, read about it here! These specific contests will include fabricating the best theme for trades and treasury, possible photoshopping contests, and of course, crafting contests! The prizes may be extended to material prizes in the future, but it's up to YOU to help the guild prosper!

Promotion:
The best reason to apply to become a member in the TBGuild is for pure promotion. Promotion does not mean spamming on any website, but it does mean gaining exposure and sales with the help of other members.

This includes the use of blogs and possibly myspace through the use of the etsy mini (with items favorited by the TBGuild's own etsy) The etsy mini is very important, as it is part of the requirements for the guild, SO if everyone in the guild posted and promoted using that alone, there should be people seeing it!

The best way to be promoted would be to be a Spotlight 'Banger. This means you are chosen by one of the TBGuild leaders (most likely gothictany) as a favorite from the guild. You will be featured in a blog and 3 of your items will be favorited on the TBGuild etsy. To qualify as a Spotlight 'Banger, you must be a member and you must have had a tutorial (complete with pictures) posted in the Tutorial forums.

Promotion within the guild will be done through trades! We will plan them out, and have more information when the time comes, so look out for TBGuild Trades

-Your TBGuild leaders:
goofipinay, addie_marie, b!0HAZARd, gothictany

Business Business

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:32:33 EDT

One of our favorite muppet moments of all time.

Book Release: 100 Flowers to Knit & Crochet

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EDT

Just in case you finished stitching up Lee's DIY Round-Up designs last Friday, St. Matin's Press just released 100 Flowers to Knit & Crochet just in time for spring! The book features full instructions, yarn requirements and suggested skill levels. All of the flowers are featured in actual size and can be applied to 10 additional projects included in the book, such as an evening purse and winter scarf. Author Lesley Standielfd is a knitwear designer and former editor at Women and Family Circle magazines. Just imagine crocheting your own delicate petals whilst they bloom around you this spring!

Worn Out: Street Style Picks

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EDT

Yo guys! Here, as always, are my favorite snaps from the street style blogs from the last few weeks. Leave your OH YESses and OH NOOOs via the comment section, and be sure to rep your top street style sources there as well. Here we go: You may have noticed this last time we talked, but I am on a severe menswear kick right now. At left, from a March 14 post at Street Peeper, this is an uber-feminine way to rock menswear-inspired trousers. The proportions of the outfit are interestingly odd and I love how hard the boots and jacket are against the lilac pants and silky top. It looks unstudied and effortless. The photo at right is from a March 11 post by The Sartorialist for Style.com, and is as unfussy as menswear gets while still remaining absolutely feminine. The key pieces here - trousers, a tee, and a blazer - all fit fantstically, and the accessories are strong enough as so not to get lost. I'm sooo digging that bracelet - if it looks that amazing with a tee, can you imagine it with a simple dress?

These next two looks (the left from a March 10 post at Facehunter; the right from March 7 at AltaMira NYC) are both super casual and yet completely pulled together. The first outfit is composed of typical Saturday afternoon fare - skinny pants, a concert tee, and a denim jacket - but the fit is so precise and the shoes and bag so unexpectedly GROWN-UP that it elevates the whole thing to Saturday NIGHT status. While the look on the right, with its military leanings and broken-in black denim, remains a bit more laid-back, it's those boots that keep his outfit adult. As is often the case, the well-worn and faded-perfectly pieces always end up looking the most expensive, no?

Alright, I'm fully prepared to catch some flack for this, but my favorite look of the week is the above. Hailing from a March 10 post at Refinery29's Street Seen, I was way into this for three reasons. One, while I'm not yet COMPLETELY sold on this whole Spring jumpsuit revival, I actually thought this was adorable. It's folksy and interesting and proportional (and therefore not hideously unflattering, as is the case with many I've seen). Two, the way she toughened it up with the leather belt, pieced bag and killer boots was exactly the opposite of what you'd expect someone to do with a Holly Hobby pattern like that, and I salute ingenuity. So there. And finally, three, doesn't she just look COMFORTABLE? And HAPPY? And CUTE? I might look all three as well if I, too, had managed to sneak in an upcoming trend under a big cozy sweater, with bad-ass biker boots TO BOOT. And so, to this look I say: "well-played."

Book Review: Button It Up

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:35:44 EDT

I was so excited to finally receive this book, after having known it was coming out for many months before its release, and having been getting more and more into buttons in the last year or so. Susan Beal's Button It Up is a gorgeous book, filled with buttony eye-candy, as well as how-tos for all kinds of great projects! It starts out with button history, style, and types - I love to know more about my favorite crafting supplies, so interesting!

And then we're given a techniques section with great illustrations showing everything we need to know to make jewelry, sew, and glue with vintage buttons...

Then on to the projects! Page after page of gorgeously photographed button necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and more jewelry... My favorite piece is the Wood Dual Drops - I absolutely love vintage wood buttons, and I'm always a big fan of asymmetry in design!

...But that's just the beginning! Beyond jewelry, there are housewares, accessories, embellishments, and gifts! These sections are packed with designs by amazing crafty contributors, like this Button Corsage by Rebecca Pearcy:

And I love love love this Button Stationery Set by Kayte Terry!

There are tons more projects I'd love to show you, but I really recommend checking out the book for yourself. If you're a button lover, you'll be in heaven, and if you're not already, you'll probably become one!

Lastly, to celebrate the release of Button It Up, Craftstylish is having an entire month of button project tutorials!! Carlin mentioned this last week, showing you Linda Permann's beautiful button coaster projects. I've done a couple project posts over there so far, including a knit pattern for a buttony cuff and a gridded button portrait, and some of my other favorites include Erika Kern's button pillow, button link necklace three ways by Susan Beal herself, and Diane Gilleland's dorset buttons. So dig out your vintage button stash, or go thrifting/garage sale hopping to gather yourself a stash, and get crafting with buttons!

Celebrity DIY Style: The Fedora

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:20:22 EDT

I've always loved hats (in fact I have quite a collection) and I'm sad that I don't see enough of them atop many heads anymore. That's why when I saw a photo of Gwen Stefani stepping out with her fantastic fedora, I got excited - maybe hats will make a comeback after all! If you're interested in making a fedora for yourself, there is a fee tutorial available at eHow and a sewing pattern for purchase at Pattern Studio. If crochet is more your style, try this vintage pattern or follow these instructions to create you own felted variety. If you prefer to refashion a vintage hat, check out Eugenia Kim's Saturday Night Hat - there's an entire chapter devoted to the subject!

Moreover, on Friday Rob and Corinne released How to Make a Hat Mold with Victor Osborne! Check it out for more on how to make your own!

Project Jenny, Project Jan: Pins and Needles

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 13:40:37 EDT

Rob and I just made costumes for Project Jenny, Project Jan's latest music video with director Kathleen Grace for $99 Music Videos. This is not that video, but I love the use of yarn, gloves, and socks. Keep a look out for the new video and a behind the scenes look on how we made the costumes. Have a great weekend everyone! xoxo c

Project ThreadBanger: March 2009

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 13:16:34 EDT

Hey everyone! Just a reminder that the Project ThreadBanger Short Challenge is due tonight, midnight EST.

Short Challenge:
Budget: $3

Create an item of unisex jewelry, incorporating at least one "traditional" recycled item.
Unisex means appropriate for both males and females.
Jewelry includes bracelets, necklaces, watches, wristbands, arm cuffs, etc.
"Traditionally" recycled items include paper, plastic, aluminum, etc.

Also, the long challenge is due the 28th.

Long Challenge:
Budget: $15

Make some pajamas! This can be a long sleep shirt, drawstring pants for men, a shirt/pants combo, or your traditional footies.
Must incorporate some sort of pattern, checks, polka dots, houndstooth, etc. The fabric can be patterned, or create your own with paints/inks, etc.
This long challenge also must incorporate some "traditionally" recycled item. Creativity is paramount!

Good luck, everyone!

Weekly DIY Roundup: Flower Projects!

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:20:15 EDT

Spring! It's sunny out! Flowers are blooming! So this week I bring you a roundup of assorted flowery projects - knit, crocheted, sewn, paper, and real flowers! I'll start with the knitting... I think this centerpiece by Berroco above is beautiful.

Here's a pattern for some cute Spring Flowers by Saartje de Bruijn:

Larissa Brown designed Chevette, this flowery choker on knitty:

Or if you want to go flower crazy around your neck with crochet, Linda Permann designed this Flowering Necklace for Crochet Today! Either get to it on the website by finding episode 215, or here's the ravelry link.

Drops Design has the pattern for this crochet hairband with flowers:

Creativeyarn posted this Crochet Necklace pattern on crochetme:

MyGurumi has a pattern for this adorable Flower Pot - I love how the whole thing is crocheted:

Applehead blog shows us how to make this Five Petal Flower:

Over at Craftypod you can learn how to crochet a flower necklace with wire!

Maize in Montana shows us how to make a Frayed Flower with a strip of fabric:

Craftlog has a tutorial for this cute flower garden skirt with buttons:

Learn how to make buttons into flowers for pins or embellishments on artsy-crafty babe:

U-handbag has a Simple origami Lily Flower tutorial:

Craft blog points us to a how-to for this cute origami flower made with a sticky note!

Martha Stewart has a how-to for this beautiful Paper Cherry Blossom Display:

Crafty Daisies shows us this idea for using dried flowers in a picture frame:

On curbly you can watch a video to learn how to make magnetic flower vases - superthin tube vases that stand on the tabletop with a magnet and appear magical!

PocketSized has an instructable for this Credit Card Flower Box fridge magnet:

And lastly, Brookelynn Morris wrote a great how-to for the Craft blog about Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging:

So I hope you are inspired to do some Spring crafting! As always, share your favorite flowery projects in the comments, and show everyone your creations in the forums!

Spring Has Sprung

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:20:22 EDT

Can you feel it? Spring is HERE - love is in the air, the layers are coming off, and the flowers are blooming - both literally AND figuratively. One of my absolute favorite Spring 09 runway shows was Fendi - it was feminine and flattering and oh-so-pastel, but what really nailed it for me were the amazing flower appliques that adorned dresses, skirts, and jackets: Appliques used to belong exclusively to the realm of crazy aunts and grannies everywhere - but with tons of 3D looks on Spring runways, now is definitely the time to experiment with them yourself. Whether you're constructing big rosettes out of scrap fabric and affixing them to everything you see (a la Fendi) or sewing scalloped edges along the sleeves of your Spring jackets and tops (see Chloe for inspiration), this trend is just begging for one last DIY project before you run outside and enjoy the weather. Are you digging the 3D looks on the Spring runways? What's on YOUR Spring DIY to-do list??

Threadbanger Guild!! Promote Your ETSY Shop

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:30:24 EDT

If you have an Etsy account, check out what is going on in the ThreadBanger Guild! A great way to promote your shops to other Threadbanger members and show off what you have to offer. Thanks to Goofipinay, Addie_Marie, Gothictany, B!OH@Z@Rd, and everyone else who helped put this together!!

"The Threadbanger Guild allows the threadbangers to help each other promote their etsy. This is a way for the sellers and buyers of etsy in the threadbanger community to communicate with each other in a different way. Being on this guild will allow each member a chance at being a featured seller (on the forums and/or the video) and a chance at being in one of many treasuries. We will help each other make our shops better and increase views and sales." check out the rest of the forum link HERE.

Build a Slouchy Spring Bag

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EDT

Getting yourself a new spring sack is easy! To create this large, crescent-shaped hobo bag you will need a large square scarf of about 81 cm or piece of fabric or tablecloth of 114 cm. If you don't have either of these items lying around, decorative scarves are plentiful at thrift shops and fabric is easy to cut out of something else you find there like a skirt or big shirt. If you do salvage squares of fabric plan to sew seams so that your freshly cut piece does not unravel. I used an old silk skirt I found for a buck in a purple flower pattern perfect for spring!

Here's "how-to" thanks to LivingCreatively:

First, lay the scarf or fabric face down.

Tie a knot about one-third of the way from a corner to create a tail.

Repeat the tail-knotting on the other three corners.

Finally, tie the two bottom tails together in a tight knot so that the bright part of the fabric will be visible on the outside of the bag. Follow with the top two tails and you're one step closer to slinging a new sack over your bare shoulders this spring!

How to Make a Woven Button Coaster

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:16:35 EDT

Did you know March is button month!? If you're looking for a simple way to celebrate I suggest this meditative coaster project suggested by Apartment Therapy and CraftStylish.

Materials:

81 four-hole buttons (if you use something larger than 3/8-inch buttons, you can probably get away with fewer buttons)
Small amount of embroidery floss
Needle (that fits through the button holes)
Scissors
Time

1) Stitch rows of 9 buttons together as shown above, making a total of eight 9-button chains. (Visit CraftStylish for throurough instructions)

2) Line up the chains and using a different colored thread and sew up the first hole in the buttons the way you did in the original chains.

*Remember, you can change colors as you wish! Once you've sewn all the button holes you're done, you party animal you.

Thanks to Danielle at Apartment Therapy for the tip-off on this cool project!

Celebrity DIY Style: Kate Bosworth's Recycled Zippers

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:01:51 EDT

I never thought of myself as a zipper fanatic, that is until I found myself purchasing zippers in bulk from ebay last week. While I have projects in mind for most of my new notions, I'll probably have have more zippers than what I know what to do with. So the other night, I started searching for ideas that might help me use up my stash - that's when I saw it, Kate Bosworth in Phillip Lim's recycled zipper dress. However, Ms. Bosworth's dress isn't the only thing that caught my attention, it was these zipper brooches, necklaces, and cuffs by Kate Cusack that made me swoon. Care to make one or two of these for yourself? Cut Out & Keep has a tutorial for a fabulous zipper necklace while both Martha Stewart and Craftster have instructions to make your own brooch (but don't stop there, smaller versions can embellish clothing, added to bobby pins and hairbands, or even sewn to handbags). Zippers don't have to be functional anymore! [photo via FabSugar]

David Bow-Tie Sewalong with BurdaStyle!

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EDT

One of our favorite blogs and pattern sources, BurdaStyle, has launched a heartfelt event that nearly all sewers and stitchers will have a stake in. In the United States alone, cancer accounts for 1 in 4 deaths, and 1.5 million new cases will be diagnosed this year. BurdaStyle wants to donate 150 bow ties to the American Cancer Society's Pink and Black Tie Gala by May 4th, 2009 and needs your help! Join our Burda's Bow Tie Sew Along by downloading the free David Bow Tie pattern and sending your completed black or pink tie to BurdaStyle at 325 Gold st Suite 201 Brooklyn, NY 11201. The bow ties will be auctioned off at the Gala, and the funds raised will help support the ACS in their life-saving work, including patient services, national research, education, and advocacy initiatives.

Remember, the ties must be pink or black or a combination of both, BurdaStyle needs to receive them by May 4th and you can include a personal story on a notecard as well! Send your bow tie to: BurdaStyle 325 Gold st Suite 201 Brooklyn, NY. 11201.
Check out important How-to info in the forums!

Depression Cooking

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 09:44:21 EST

This lady is AWESOME! xoxo c

Celebrate Spring! Simplicity and BurdaStyle Combine Patterns!

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:58:10 EST

So, spring has sprung, or at least winter's on its last leg. Speaking of legs, spring means exposed knees, and I know you want to show em' off in some hip new homemade clothes. Thankfully, Simplicity and BurdaStyle have launched five new styles made out of one pattern from each designer. Viewers can vote for their favorites and the winning combination will be offered on Simplicity.com and BurdaStyle.com for a fantastic discount! The Simplicity pattern, all printed out and ready to go, will arrive at your humble abode for only $5.00 (shipping included in US), and the BurdaStyle downloadable sewing pattern will be offered free of charage for one week!

Voting will end on Sunday, March 15th at 12 am EST. The outfit with the most votes will be published as featured project on BurdaStyle.com and Simplicity.com on Monday, March 16th.

Vote and spread the word, and afterwards show off those springy gams!

Weekly DIY Roundup: Crochet Kitchen Stuff!

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:40:18 EST

After Heather's awesome crocheted rag rug tutorial, and then the kitchen and bath roundup, I got inspired to do a crochet roundup of items for the kitchen, because there are so many out there! There are a ton of great free home decor patterns on crochet me, like this Coffee Hotplate Doily designed by Vashti Braha, made with copper wire:

This Daisy Kitchen Set by Priscilla Hewitt is super cute, with towel and napkin rings, coasters, dishcloths, hotpad, and pot holder:

I imagine that this 9 Sided Kitchen Mat by Linda on Planet Shoup would look super cool with lots of different leftover scrap yarns striping:

Or there's this Semi-Circular Kitchen Rug pattern by Brian McGaunn if that shape fits better in your space:

Knits and Knots' Kitchen Scrubbie look cute and functional:

These Spiral Scrubbies on Crochet Patterns Only look great in all different colors like how mbmaccio on flickr made them:

This Super Duper Kitchen Sponges pattern by Sylver Designs uses tunisian crochet:

This Crochet Flower Hot Pad on Free Craft Unlimited would look cool in lots of different colors:

And then there's Loretta Schepp's Starburst Hotpad - I love this bright version made by Ronnale on flickr:

This potholder pattern on MeerBlick is simple but great looking, and could be customized to any color scheme:

Janelle's Star Dishcloth is super cute, and again would look great with many colors striping:

I like this simplicity of this Wavy Dishcloth pattern on Knits and Knots:

Craft Leftovers' Kristin Roach has a pattern for The Perfect Crochet Dishcloth:

And I'll leave you with this Adorable Apple Cozy by Theresa Grant which is only available as a free ravelry download:

This was just a short list of some fun kitchen patterns I found, but there are tons more out there - ravelry is a great place to find more! Share any of your favorites here in the comments, and share your creations with everyone in the forums!

Book Review: Hookorama

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST

I got this awesome crochet book at a local independant bookstore here in Portland, and it's totally making me want to pick back up my hooks after the last few years of mostly only knitting. It's a follow-up to the knitting book Knitorama by the same rad author, Rachel Matthews.

This would be a great beginner crochet book, since it includes instructions with good how-to pictures for all the basic stitches, crocheting round, tunisian crochet technique, filet crochet, working with multiple colors, etc. There's even a section on spinning!

And then once you learn the basics, the patterns are fabulous! I love this crazy Daisy fascinator:

There are simple patterns, and then more complex ones with charts, like this No-pop, no style hat which uses the popcorn stitch. I've known how to crochet for years, but I've never learned how to follow a chart, so this seems like a great one for me to try!

I really love the crazy experimental stuff in this book, like this Science experiment sweater, with its hand-drawn Experimental chart:

I am all about experimenting when it comes to my own crafting, so this is my kind of craft book! I love its wacky photo styling and silly designs, unlike any other crochet book I can think of. Whether you're an experienced hooker or you're wanting to try out crochet as a new craft, I definitely recommend Hookorama!

Win the Handmade Nation Book!

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:15:12 EST

We are giving away 5 copies of the Handmade Nation book! To win follow us on twitter! We will randomly select 5 of our new twitter followers who sign up from now, March 4th 2009, till March 18th 2009. TWITTER, TWITTER, TWITTER!

Crochet a Rag Rug

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:21:16 EST

Over the years, I have filed the idea away in my head of making a rag rug. The project I really wanted to try was a Martha Stewart bath mat made from braided towels. I have had that project on my mental list for years now. However, the thing that held me back from actually MAKING a braided rag rug was the whole sewing issue. I really didn’t want to sit there and hand-sew all the braids together into a rug. I'm too lazy for that!

Enter the huge crochet hook!

I had a Craftster swap partner who mentioned she would like to receive a kitchen rag rug, and so I made her a small crocheted rug in about two hours. I ripped up some stash fabric I had (that was too junky to actually use to sew anything - why was it in my stash?) and a vintage sheet I recently picked up at the thrift store. The rug went together so fast that I started another one. It’s the perfect activity to do while watching TV.

To make:

First: Prepare Your Fabric Strips

I ripped up strips from stash fabric (easy to rip), sheets (easy also), old curtains (easy), and clothing (not as easy!). Basically, if the item to be ripped up is in flat and straight pieces, it’s pretty easy to turn into fabric strips.

To rip a flat sheet, I undo any hems, then cut a short notch in the fabric about one inch in from the hem. Rip all the way to the other side of the sheet, but don’t rip to the very edge. Leave a quarter-inch bit unripped, and then cut a notch about one inch in and continue ripping. In this way, you will get one long strip of fabric. Roll ripped fabric into balls like yarn.

How much yarn will I get from a sheet? Assuming your strips are exactly one inch in width, a queen sized flat sheet will yield approximately 255 yards of yarn. (The math: a queen flat sheet is 90×102 inches. 90 times 102 strips in one-inch widths = 9180 inches. Divide by 12 to get 765 feet of yarn. Divide by 3 to get 255 yards. Tell me if I did my math wrong!)

Right now, the rug is getting big (about 5 feet x 5 feet) and one queen sized flat sheet ripped up into approx. 1” strips made four rows of crochet.

To join ripped pieces, you can just tie the ends together in a square knot (if you don’t mind the nubs in your finished rug), or just twist them together when you are crocheting to create a more seamless join.

To rip something like clothing, you have to be more creative, and it involves more cutting and less ripping. It also doesn’t yield much “yarn”. Something that is relatively long and flat, like pants or maybe a bathrobe or big tshirt might be worth working on.

The pattern:

More experienced crocheters might have better info about this, but I just started by making a chain of 12, then single crocheting 2 in from the edge. I sc’d to the end, and then did about 4 scs in the last stitch (to go around the corner). Continue sc-ing. Do 2 scs in one stitch when you get near the corners. I kind of just randomly add stitches - about 6-10 per trip around the rug. Like I said, I’m sure there is a much more perfect way to do this, but it’s working for me.

When I get done with my big rug (I call it “a monstrosity”), I’m going to block it by laying it on the floor and covering it with damp towels overnight. We’ll see how well that works!

Check out more of my projects and tutorials for crafting on the cheap at Dollar Store Crafts.

Sewing and Stitchery Expo!

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:32:53 EST

This past weekend we attended the Sewing and Stitchery Expo in Puyallup, Washington. We had a great time and met a bunch of great people!

Above is a picture of Rob and I with Project Runway Alum Jillian Lewis. We are wearing outfits we made for the GO RED fashion show to benefit the American Heart Association. Notice I am wearing my version of a sweeter. I LOVE MY SWEETER!

Check out this link to see us on ABC 4 news while we were in Washington!

Worn Out: Street Style Pics

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST

Yo guys! As ever, here are my top 5 picks from the last two weeks of street style blogging - and this time around it's all about the MEN. Be sure to leave your thumbs up/thumbs down in the comments section, and share share share any online sources YOU love for men's fashion inspiration. Here goes:

These first two looks (the left from a February 24 post at AltaMira NYC; the right from March 2 at Amsterdam's FadTony) are similar in theme but differ drastically in execution. They're both based on well-worn denim and both veer seriously into boyfriend-territory, but things are kept a bit more classic at left. Vaguely 90s and certainly French, this look is kept on its toes (literally!) with the addition of heels, clean stripes, and an opaque tight. Her layers, leather jacket and chic scarf keep a shorts-based outfit firmly appropriate for Winter temperatures, and I'm so digging her big, silver men's watch. Where she comes off crisp and clean, the outfit on the right is laid-back to the point that I'm pretty sure it may have been laying on her floor at some point earlier that day. And that's not necessarily a bad thing! She manages to channel a certain Grunge-Goddess-by-way-of-Nico (mixing beat-up Converse with slick Wayfarers tends to have that effect) and I only hope that I achieve such effortless rock and roll references on MY laundry day...

I posted on bow ties at my own blog already this week, and was so stoked to find more evidence of their EXCELLENCE in a February 17 post at Copenhagen Street Style. This gent exudes casual sharpness and is a great example of how just a few extras can transform an outfit into something really special: there's nothing like a sweater vest and some classic MAN ACCESSORIES - those statement glasses and of course, that bow tie - to step things up a bit, and the juxtaposition of the old leather bag, the easy fit pants, and those work boots keep things grounded. Whereas the CSS look is ALL MAN, I love how the photo at right (again, from AltaMira NYC, this time in a February 25 post) comes off as androgynous - even though both men are wearing MENSWEAR. The ladies have so co-opted the blazer/tight pants combo over the last couple of seasons that it's almost funny to see guys pull it off so well! Needless to say, this is definitely a look that both sexes can earmark for when you're in need of a little getting-dressed-to-go-out inspiration.

And now, a complete change of pace - while all the rest of my fave looks involved some degree of menswear, my A++, #1 street style posting this time around is ultrafemme and so pretty. From a February 27 post at Garance Dore, I just couldn't get enough of the color combinations in this look. The olive jacket keeps that neon yellow-green from floating off into the clouds, and the red plays off both shades SO PERFECTLY. Don't try to tell me it's AT LEAST not pleasing to the eye in that respect, to say nothing of the rest of the outfit! I'm so into the details here - the heavy metal studs on the coat; the peek of a blue & white striped shirt at collar and cuff; those boots! I'm starting to get serious envy so I'm going to leave it at that, but I plan on taking a page from this woman's book and start focusing on the small stuff a little bit more...do YOU??

Celebrity DIY Style: Breakfast At Tiffany's

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 06:34:52 EST

I'm guessing at some point in time most of us have wanted to be Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Although I've never played out my own secret desire, some people take a special occasion such as Halloween or say a 30th birthday to dress up as Holly Golightly. Thinking of fulfilling your inner Audrey? Try lengthening a classic sheath dress pattern such as New Look 6723, McCall 5464, or Burda 3477 and sewing up a set of full length gloves with The Pattern Studio's Saucy Sophisticate. Don't foget to complete the look with a tiara, pearls, or even Butterick 4472.

PTB February: And the winner is...

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 15:47:20 EST

We recieved some fantastic entries for the month's Project ThreadBanger! The scores have been tallied, so onto the winners!

First off, the winner of the short challenge (make an electronic cover):

In first place, AwayFromTheLight's, with 12 points.

In second place, wendonio, with 3 points.

Now for the long challenge: refashioning a t-shirt.

In first place, with a whopping 40 points, tsavorite-fist!

Congratulations tsavorite-fist, you are also the overall winner of this month!

In second place, Addie_Marie, with 28 points.

And in third place, avelanda with 8 points.

To see the rest of the entires, check out the Project ThreadBanger photostream. (photos will up sometime this weekend).

Congrats to all the winners and thanks to everyone for all the entries!

The next challenge will be posted in a few days... be sure to enter!

Weekly DIY Roundup: Knit & Crochet Scarflets and Cowls!

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:03:50 EST

This week I've rounded up a huge selection of scarflets, neck warmers, cowls, or whatever else you want to call them, and I've still had to narrow it way down from all the great free patterns out there! This is a big one, so I'll keep the talking brief... Starting with knit versions with button closures, I love the squishy simplicity of knitboy1's Fourteen:

Bella Knitting has a pattern for this basic 3-button scarflet:

One Sheep Hill has the pattern for the Fidget, which uses the twisted moss stitch:

I knit, that's it blog has this 2-button Moss stitch neck warmer pattern:

Red Threads' Swirl Neckwarmer has some cool crocheted buttonholes to spice it up:

Loop knits' Herringbone Neck Warmer looks great in variegated yarn:

This Double Knitting Scarflette by KnitNCrochet looks super cool and extra warm:

This Kid Merino Ruffled Scarflet Neck Wrap by Crystal Palace Yarns is super pretty and cozy looking:

Knitty Gritty Thoughts' Spiral Cowl is indeed elegant and simple:

And I'll finish off the buttony knits with the Wicker Cafe Cowl by Vicki Peterson, with just those two top buttons for embellishment:

Onto round designs, Rebecca Hatcher designed Wave for knotions:

I love the texture created by the stitch pattern in the Beech Wood cowl by Ilga Leja:

Lolly Knitting Around has a couple free cowl patterns, including this Lichen Cowl:

F.pea's quickie cowl pattern uses a lace rib that looks nice and is easy to knit:

Earthly fae shares with us the Accordion Cowl Hood:

Cut Out + Keep has the pattern for this superhuge Life Is Uneven Cowl by Jess:

Drop Stitch Knitter's Good Luck Cowl is a good looking one for you lace knitters out there:

Exercise before knitting's Ridged Lace Cowl has a lacy look in a warmer, thicker fabric:

Now moving on to crochet patterns... angryolive designed this super bulky cool Twisted Cowl:

Knittingdaily has the pattern for this crocheted Mossy Cowl by Katie Himmelberg:

Without Seams' One Row Lace Cowl is pretty with a simple lace pattern:

Crochet Me has this lacy Baby, it's Cowled Outside pattern by Megan Granholm:

And back to buttony designs, here's a crocheted version by Catherine Lindsay:

This one by PlanetJune isn't a full on pattern, but I love the idea of using tunisian crochet to make a scarflet:

And now back to knitting again - I found a bunch of great looking patterns on ravelry that are only available as ravelry pdf downloads; so if you are a ravelry member then these links are for you, and if not then you should sign up! This Rib on Rib Cowl Neckwarmer by Tess Young looks fantastically warm and cozy:

I really like this Scrunchable Cowl by Rosi Garmendia:

Emily Kausalik's A Noble Cowl is a nice lacy one:

Sylvia by Beth Carls is a very feminine eyelet-filled design:

Linda Frydl designed this Lush-ious Swirl Cowl:

I love this Bubbles & Cables Cowl by Birgitte Zeuner, and this version of it knit by lechatquitricote:

MintyFresh's Bainbridge Scarf has a really inventive closure method:

This Anthro-Inspired Scarflet by Kim Seio has a cool shape:

And I'll finish up the roundup by showing you my latest design, the Skoodlet, which is a buttoning scarflet with a hood attached (that you can put down when you don't need it). This one isn't free, so that's why I'm sticking it here at the end...

Wow that was a long one! Hope you found something you like, and be sure to support the designers by sharing your creations on ravelry and making indie pattern purchases when possible. We'd love to see any of your favorite scarflets or cowls that I missed here in the comments, and you can share your work in the forums!

High Fashion DIYs

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

I've stumbled upon some pretty amazing, HIGH FASHION DIYs over the last couple of weeks and thought I'd share - enjoy, and make sure to leave any runway-worthy DIY links YOU'VE found in the comments section!

First up is the purely pictorial DIY for a STATEMENT MAKING (to say the least) feather necklace at Don't Say I Didn't. It's online just in time for Spring's upcoming southwestern tendencies, and this looks like the perfect rainy-day, do-while-watching-a-movie project that won't take long but will provide long-lasting outfit benefits. Judging from the pics, all you'll need are some craft store supplies (scissors, feathers, beads, and something to string them on), a needle, and a little patience. I dig it!

Susie Bubble's "Trickle-Happy" Bootie DIY is an easy, inventive way to amp up your Winter kicks for the Spring transition - and it's SO EASY. All it takes are some shoes in need of transformation (she used booties - but how cute would this be on a pair of heels, flats, or even sneakers?) and a bottle of brightly-colored nail polish. There's lots of room for personalization on this one, so feel free to go to town with multiple colors or designs galore.

Earlier this week, one of my favorite fashion blogs, Refinery29's The Pipeline, pointed its readers in the direction of London's The Guardian and its five LEGIT high-fashion DIYs from the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Jade Jagger, Paul Smith, Alice Temperley, and Martin Margiela. Difficulty levels range from the absurdly easy (Jade Jagger's ribbon-and-safety pin charm bracelet) to the extremely difficult (Alice Temperley's dress pattern, which they didn't even attempt to include; instead, 500 copies are available to so-inclined readers). My favorite of the bunch is Paul Smith's guide to "customising" (so British!) an old shirt to his line's standards. It's a bit challenging, yes, but so worth the effort. Plus, the guys are often sorely underrepresented in the online DIY arena so it's nice that not only were they thrown a bone on this one, but an exceptionally stylish one at that.

Williamsburg Fashion Weekend

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:45:46 EST

We don't really dig covering the shows at Bryant Park. A.) It's hard to get in and B.) It's not really our scene. Don't get me wrong, there are designers there that are very inspiring and have amazing shows but I feel like everyone and their sister covers those events and pretty much says the same things about them. I like seeing what desingers predict will be the coming trends, but I like dictating my own style. If I don't make it myself, I buy it second hand. I will probably never be able to afford what big name designers sell and if I could afford it, I would want to make sure it was made in a sustainable way. Hence why we love Williamsburg Fashion Weekend. It's so unique and vibrant. Most of the lines are small because they are hand sewn by the desinger and the shows are filled with interesting elements...not just a stick thin model walking down a runway wearing clothes sewn by someone the desinger has probably never met.

We had great time and I got to wear my new cloak which is always a plus.

I would love to see more of these types of shows all over the country. You don't have to be in the NYC or Brooklyn for that matter to make an amazing event happen. xoxo c

Cloak Pattern...Finally!!

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:18:01 EST

Hey everyone! I'm really sorry it took so long to get this to you but it ended up being a lot more difficult than I originally thought to make it happen. I wanted everyone to be able to print out the pattern from a printer and piece it together to have to actual sized pattern.

After many hours of tedious work I am proud to bring to you....The Cloak Pattern.

How it works:

1.) Print out the pattern (preferrably, on the opposite side of some already used printer paper)

2.) Fold all along all the straigt lines and put the pattern together using the bold numbers in the corners to figure out what goes where.

3.) Tape it together.

Pattern pieces include:

The Hood - from your fabric cut out both the right and left sides of the hood for both the liner and outer shell.

The Front - from your fabric cut out both the front right and front left for both the liner and outer shell.

The Back - line up the center back to the fold of your fabric and cut out the full back piece from the liner and outer shell.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask!

I really love my cloak and I plan to make many more of them:) xoxox c

OmniPeace + Art of Humanity

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:00:42 EST

LA-based fashion brand, OmniPeace, and Art of Humanity have joined forces to launch a nation-wide fashion campaign, “Stamp Out Violence in the Congo,” to raise awareness and funds as part of an international movement to end violence against women and girls of the Congo. The exclusive line of tees that feature the OmniPeace logo is an actual drawing fro Art of Humanity by the women and girls of Congo who have either witnessed or been victims of violence in their homeland.

The best part about this is that 25% of all proceeds will go to Eve Ensler and UNICEF's campaign "Stop Raping Our Greatest Resource" which highlights all of the atrocities being committed. It is the first time in history that a designer will sell tees that incorporate original artwork from victims of violence.

So if your'e not in the mood for some DIY, help support a great cause!

Win Kenneth's Book, Cool Couture!!!

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:30:12 EST

We are giving away 5 copies of Kenneth's book, Cool Couture! All you have to do is send an email to tips@threadbanger.com (please put "book giveaway" in the subject line....we get a lot of emails) and we will randomly select 5 people to receive the book!

Last day we will accept emails is March 2nd. Winners will be notified on March 3rd via email if they have won.

Good Luck!! xoxox c

Celebrity DIY Style: Oscar Accessories

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:19:01 EST

By now you've either seen last night's Oscar Red Carpet arrivals and\or the best and worst dressed list from the program, so I'll spare you the rehash (however, if you're interested in what celebrity wore which desiger, you can read the list here). Instead of focusing on the dresses, let's talk about what was on the arm of almost every celebrity last night. No, I'm not talking about a handsome date, I'm talking about the accessories! One of the hottest items strutting down the red carpet last night were the teeny, tiny clutches that looked just big enough to carry the essentials.

If you have a special occasion coming up where a small bag is all you need, there are several options to recreate this celebrity accessory. One option is working with a commercial pattern. Vogue has a variety of clutches (and wristlets) in 8524, while Kwik Sew has numerous options in the 'crafts' section of their pattern catalog. Another option is working with an online tutorial... and there are tons to choose from! Some of my favorites included U-handbag's Rather Cheeky Wistlet, Amy Butler's Clutch with Antique Pin, and these tutorials found on Craftster: The Classy Pleated Iridescent Clutch, Brown Pleated Classy Clutch, and Clutch, Clutch, Clutch. The best thing about all these little purses is that they call for very little fabric - perfect for using up stashed scraps or even splurging on luxurious material!

Dutchess Cloak Pattern Coming Soon

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 18:56:32 EST

Hey everyone...didn't realize making the PDF pattern for this cloak was going to be such an undertaking. We're currently in the middle of putting it all together and will try posting tomorrow , no later than Monday morn. Thanks for our patience !

The Oscars 2009: The Audience Votes!

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:16:21 EST

Hey everyone! Our friend Grace Randolph over at Beyond the Trailer invited us to do a crossover videos about the Oscars. You voted and here are the answers! Let us know what you think and thanks Grace!

Make Coraline's Star Spangled Sweater!

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:02:37 EST

In theme with Lee Meredith's Roundup post, and all the Oscar buzz going on, I had to post this PDF pattern of Coraline's sweater so now you can make your own! How's that for some DIY?

Weekly DIY Roundup: Movie Costume and Accessory Projects!

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:32:09 EST

To celebrate Oscar week, but even more so because of my love of the Coraline knitwear, I'm bringing you a roundup of movie costume/accessory projects this week! But the thing about this roundup is that I know there are so many more great projects and patterns out there that I just can't find, so I want to add on throughout the weekend - up until the Oscars on Sunday, any projects that fit the description that you tell me about in the comments will get added into the roundup! I'm excited to grow this list, since I've been searching all over the internet for days and these are all I could find!

So Stacy just posted about the Coraline knitting (amazing!) and I had a fun time finding the pdf pattern for the human sized sweater pattern (designed by Jenn Jarvis) hidden in Coraline's bedroom on the movie website - while I was there I got some button eyes in the Other Mother's Workshop! But I was also happy to find that Tika Belle designed human sized gloves from the movie!

I already posted about Bella's mittens from Twilight in my mittens roundup a little while back, Bella's crocheted hat in my hat roundup part 1, and one pattern for Lyra's hood from The Golden Compass in part 3 of my hats roundup... but there are several different versions of that hood, including one by Froggie Meanie Designs, and this one by Parallax Knitting:

Parallax Knitting also designed a pattern for Lyra's coat from the same movie:

Harry Potter movies are super common for knit and crochet designs (just do a search and see how many there are!) - I like this lacy crochet scarf based on Luna's by Karrying Kolor on knittinghelp.com:

Elitistcritic shared her pattern for a scarf based on this amazing one from the movie Penelope:

This is from a TV show instead of a movie, but it's super popular so I think worth sharing - there are tons of patterns out there by different designers for Jayne's hat from Firefly. I've never seen the show, but I love the hat!! This particular one is by Yarntender (download the pdf at the top of the page):

This crocheted hat on Nadine's Patterns, based on the one worn by Norah Jones in My Blueberry Nights, is super cute:

Alleycatscratch.com has a pattern for Pippin's knit scarf from Lord of the Rings:

Theresa Belville designed patterns based on hats worn by Kirsten Dunst in two different movies - Spiderman 2 and Elizabethtown. They are available in a free pdf download, but you just have to enter in your address and stuff as if you're buying it. This version was knit by Leeann of Wool & Chocolate:

Hello Yarn has a pattern for this sweater inspired by the one worn by Samuel L. Jackson in the movie 51st State (Formula 51):

I absolutely love this amazing sweater based on the one in About A Boy, recreated by Knitbot. No pattern for this one, but I'm sure it could inspire some great projects - I'm thinking embellishing a recycled sweater with appliques and embroidery.... hmm......

Nightmare Before Christmas is one of the best craft-inspiring movies out there, especially the character Sally, and some great Halloween costumes can be found, like this couple as the Mayor of Halloween Town and Sally, and GrindHouseHussy19's Sally on craftster:

A couple years ago for halloween, I was Mary Tyler Moore and I knit myself a stripey beret based on hers in the opening credits! (I've never written up a pattern for this one, but it's pretty basic if you're familiar with knitting hats.)

In my searching, I found this flickr group called movie crochet - there's not much on it, but if you crochet anything from a movie you could join the group and add to it! And one last movie-related crafty tidbit - if you're a knitter who likes references to knitting in films, I recommend checking out the Japanese movie Wool 100% - awesome!

If you know of any movie-inspired projects out there in the blog world, please comment! I'd love to add more sewing projects, or any crafts in addition to knitting and crochet. I especially am looking to add projects with tutorials or free patterns. Hope you enjoy the roundup, and thanks for any more you can add to it!!

Book Review: Knitprovisation

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

This beautiful work by Cilla Ramnek is definitely one of my all time favorite inspiring craft books, just to look through and get the creative juices flowing. But be aware, tutorial lovers, it's less of a how-to book and more of an art book.

The projects are all accompanied by simple instructions, instead of traditional patterns, to encourage custom design and personalization, which I love!!

While the word knit is in the title and is a major element, there is also lots of crochet, sewing with felted sweaters, and embellishing ready-made items. I absolutely love this improvisationally embroidered felted sweater vest!

The gorgeous, large photos really make this book stand out to me; detailed step-by-step tutorials aren't important when the items are shown well enough that you can see how they are put together.

I also love the repeated mention of thrift store shopping throughout the book. The hood below was originally a thrift store find, to which the crocheted edging was added. Mixing up secondhand items, knit, crochet, embroidery, etc results in some amazing finished objects!!

While I get plenty of inspiration just looking at the photos in this book, reading it brings me even more creative energy, with motivational writing like:

There's no reason to be too critical of the irresistible urge to buy a ball or two of yarn in you happen to be passing a yarn shop nowadays. If the two sides of your brain are arguing and the sensible side is demanding a crystal-clear answer as to what the purchase "is going to be," then the other side just has to stand its ground. Who knows? These one or two particular balls of wool could be the inspiration for a masterpiece! Honestly!

How great is that? When I read that Ramnek "sees no conflict between design, craft, and art, and moves freely across the disciplines" I knew that this is a woman after my own heart! I highly recommend this book to anyone in need of some creative motivation!! Find it online, or at your favorite local bookstore!

Project Threadbanger - February 2009 Short Challenge

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:28:34 EST

We had a lot of rocking submissions for the short challenge this month! Each judge will pick a favorite, and that person will get 3 points added to their final score for the month, for each judge vote they get!

Cast your own vote, take a look at the submissions for this month:

AwayFromTheLight masters using every part of her old purse, even the old billfold hook, to create something new and useful!

catnip008 offers this sneaky advice for her clever iPod necklace: "I love using it in class cuz the teachers never see it tucked in my jacket."

wendolyn90 turns a cardigan into a spiffy laptop-sweater!

Sparklechyld lives up to her nick and gets extra points for creativity and thinking outside the box, bedecking her glue gun with a rainbow of jewels.

Skellig does a brilliant job of optimizing space by creating a rolling design that keeps everything you need together with well-placed velcro.

Craft Cartel Encourages DIY!

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:04:03 EST

This Sunday, February 22, Craft Cartel is holding a free for all DIY Craft even in Melbourne's Federation Square as one of the events of the Sustainable Living Festival. This means that people all over who have never even heard of DIY will get to pick of some of the old clothes and try their hand at making some fabulous outfits and strut their eco friendly clothing on the catwalk. Not only does this raise awaremess about upcycling, but you can win prizes!

The event will be hosted by the indomitable Mzzz Erin Tasmania, with special guests fashion designer Tam Hua, Ellie Mücke and Wardrobe Refashion 's Nichola Prested giving tips and demonstrations.

Sunday February 22nd 1:30 - 4pm

Where: Birrunrung Marr (behind Fed Square, near ArtPlay see map here ) in the Play Dome - Free!

Absolutely no skill, taste or equipment required! Rock up on the day and create wild and wonderful outfits in teams or go it alone. Model your masterpiece before the judges yourself or rope in one of our on-hand-hotties to do it for you.

RSVP on Facewank

Worn Out: Street Style Pics...

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:13:29 EST

...NY Fashion Week edition! As always, I've culled my top 5 favorite looks from the street style blogs for you, and this week brings some Fashion Week-inspired, next-level excellence. Leave your nods of approval and "over my dead body's" in the comments section, and be sure to shout out your favorite style blogs as well. Here goes:

Lately I've found myself drawn to the CLASSICS, and it doesn't get much more classic than these two looks. The outfit on the left, from a February 16 post at Garance Dore, is as simple as they come - neutrals abound; the shapes are soft and pretty - and its appeal lies in its attainability. Based on pieces everyone has in their closet (a comfortable but flattering dress, the classic trench, smart shoes) and just a touch of STATEMENT (check those tights!), this is a great Paris-via-NY look to keep in the back of your mind for when cutting-edge just isn't in the cards. The outfit at right, from a February 15 post at The Sartorialist, takes classic menswear elements and transforms them into a look that's distinctly feminine. The tweed of the skirt, men's hat, and leather coat are all sturdy as get-out but are softened by the polka-dot blouse, tights, and - duh - their wearer. Again, this brings to mind something distinctly French, by way of Amelie, and I'll definitely be aping her look as Winter drags on.

The look at left, from a February 14 post by The Sartorialist for Style.com, was so laid-back compared to some of the other Fashion Week looks I saw that I couldn't help but fall for it. The light pink and greys are looking ahead to Spring, and her MEGA-EXCELLENT choice in footwear was a sweet little reminder that 6 inch heels do not necessarily a fashionista make. That said, I'm totally into the shoes in the photo at right, from a February 16 post from Phil Of at Street Peeper. The girl pictured is Susanna Lau of Style Bubble and Dazed Digital, and she is, as ever, fashion-forward as it gets. The sleeves on her jacket are cute little points of interest, and again - the pinks and greys are a nod to the upcoming Spring color palette. The whole thing is kept from being too precious with that bad (IN A GOOD WAY) scarf and, of course, those shoes. Complete originality.

Susie Bubble again - this time in a February 15 post by The Sartorialist for Style.com. This is my FAVORITE picture this week for a few reasons - one, the neon is brilliant (both literally and figuratively); two, I've been trying to figure out a way to integrate sweatpants into my wardrobe since Alexander Wang's Spring 09 show and THIS seems to be how it's done; and three, I mean - SWEATPANTS! They're EXACTLY what is necessary if you're going to trek around all day in heels, and I salute this look and everything it stands for. Agreed??

EXCLUSIVE ON THREADBANGER: Jacqueline West's sketches from Benjamin Button!

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:32:08 EST

Hi Everyone! By now I'm sure you've all the seen the episode where Rob and Corinne interviewed Jacqueline West, costume designer for Benjamin Button. Well, our friends over at Paramount have given us an exclusive look at never before seen sketches of the costumes. If you've seen the movie, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, you'll notice that these sketches are pretty much identical to the final outcome of the costume. Let us know what you think of these in the comments below!

Win a Crafty Chica inspired TB Sewing Machine!

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:14:14 EST

The Crafty Chica - Kathy Cano-Murillo, who you may remember from last week's CHA episode has a new book coming out called Crafty Chica's Guide To Artful Sewing. The book covers everything you need to know about sewing as wells as tons of projects. And to celebrate the book, she's giving away a huge sewing filled pack of glitter, her book, and one of our very own Threadbanger Janome Sewing Machines (TB12), designed for this contest.

One grand prize winner will receive:

A custom-decorated Janome ThreadBanger TB12 sewing machine, decorated by Kathy herself, and featured in The Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing (courtesy of Janome)

A copy of The Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing (courtesy of Potter Craft)

Thirty (30) Jars of Crafty Chica Glitter (courtesy of Duncan)

A custom-made Crafty Chica Picture Bracelet (courtesy of the Crafty Chica herself!)

Click here to enter or send an email to amalec[at]randomhouse[dot]com with the subject line: Crafty Chica Giveaway. Good luck, crafters!

(Via Craft)

Celebrity DIY Style: Coraline

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:40:52 EST

Movie goers may be buzzing about the new hit, Coraline, but it's also attracted another group - crafters. Not only does the stop-motion animation interest model makers, but the costumes designed by Margaret Meyer and knitted by Paloma Soledad has everyone talking... especially those teeny tiny sweaters! If knitting miniatures isn't for you (you can make a child size version of Coraline's sweater with this free pattern), there are plenty of other small scale projects to be sewn - a behind the scene look at how the movie was made and a peek at some of the costumes can be seen in articles by Animation World Magazine and MetropolisMag and these "Crafting the World of Coraline" videos at Rotton Tomatoes. So how do you go about creating your own mini-costumes? If you looking for a minimal investment, try sewing patterns made by Simplicity, Butterick, McCall, and Vogue which range from Barbie to American Girl size clothing. A slightly more costly approach would be Japanese Craft books devoted to sewing and knitting fashionable garments and costumes for Barbie, Blythe, Tiny Betsy McCall, DAL and others. Probably the most popular is Dolly Doll(y) magazine, however there are a handful of other titles available such as the Stylebook of Doll Dresses and Doll Fashion (Japan) all of which are available on eBay, etsy, and a variety of online retailers who specialize in Japanese imports.

Handmade Nation is out!

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:39:33 EST

Handmade Nation, the new indie film directed by Faythe Levine, documents anything and everything having to do with the craft world. In 2006 she traveled to 15 cities and interviewed 80 crafters in an effort to spread the awareness of DIY, crafters and designers. Be sure to check out Handmade Nation and the exclusive interview with Faythe on Threadbanger (coming soon!).

Weekly DIY Roundup: Knit and Crochet Hat Patterns, Part 3!

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST

So last week I brought you a roundup of slouchy/beret style hats, and the previous week was fitted styles, so this week I'm ending the series with hats that don't fit into either category - unique constructions, animal shapes, points, ears, brims, hoods, bonnets, etc. Starting with crochet again, I found some cool old designs on the Free Vintage Crochet website, like this Shaker Bonnet:

And this silly Crocheted Stocking Cap:

This Gollum Hat by Regina Rioux Gonzalez on crochetme is a bit too nerdy for me, but some of you might be able to handle it:

Woolly Wormhead's Hat of Horns on The Anticraft is pretty darn cool:

Woolly Wormhead has a bunch of great free patterns on her website, both crochet and knit! So, moving on to knit patterns..... She also designed Hexed for knitty:

Thelma Egberts's Fish Hat is awesome:

All you squid lovers (that includes me!) check out Poor Mojo's Squid:

I love love Megan Reardon's Hallowig:

Marie-Christine Mahé's Klein Bottle Hat looks perfect for scientist knitters:

Morgan by Anne Kuo Lukito is a cute brimmed style:

And Kira Dulaney designed Couvercle, another brimmed one:

I love Cosy's Geometric Helmet Hat, knit in a fantastic color combination:

I recently knit up Hello Yarn's Top Down Bonnet - here's my version:

And Gros has a cute bonnet pattern - the Sweet Baby Cap - that you could modify to adult size if you want:

Flor designed the lovely Amelia Earhart Aviator Cap for Head Huggers, and Pugmama3 on flickr knit this one:

Earthly Fae has a pattern for this Not-So-Bulky Golden Compass Hood:

Nakedly Knitting has a pdf download for this Just Like a Peasant Cap:

Emily Anna posted a pattern for this cute The Point hat on closet, or cave?

John Brinegar designed this great hat, Pinky:

And I'll circle back around to end this 3 part roundup with the pointed version of my Vortex hat:

Ok I hope you enjoyed the roundup - add any of your favorite hats in the comments, and show us your creations in the forums! And, just as a reminder, I'm going to copy the same thing I said in part 1: Of course, this was only a tiny selection of all the free hat patterns out there - the best way to find more is to search ravelry! And, I'm rounding up free patterns because I know they are most appreciated, especially now, but I do encourage you to purchase patterns from indie designers too! The only way designers like me, and all the great people in this roundup, will be able to continue coming up with new patterns is if we do sell a few here and there, so support your crafty community! Yay!

Last Minute Valentine's Idea: Rose Ice Cubes

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

A great and easy way to make Valentine's Day just a little bit more romantic is by adding some roses to your ice cubes. Contrary to what your first impression may be, this is actuallty really easy to make. You can even USE the ice cubes in your drink, seeing as many roses are edible, just make sure that when you buy them, you're sure they dont have pesticides or any other harmful chemicals sprayed on them.

Got any unique last minute tips that look as elegant at these rose cubes? Leave them in the comments so we can see. Thanks!

Thanks to Jonathan Fong Style for this tip!

Project Threadbanger - Short Challenge Due Tomorrow!

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:28:21 EST

Hey all! Sorry for the absense of a blog last Thurs, I was impatiently pacing in a hospital waiting room for about 13 hours awaiting the birth of my niece! She is the most gorgeous baby ever, and I've been tangled up in family stuff for most of the week!

Addie Marie rocked the January Challenge solo, knocking out a gorgeous dress, turning this:

Into this!

She said, "This dress was from the late sixties, early seventies-ish, I think. I cut off the bodice, and the only part I ended up using from that were the elastic-ruched panels at the bust area. Then I took the skirt, measured and cut it to the length I wanted the new skirt, and used the rest of the skirt to make the cross-over bodice, the built-in belt, and the back. I used elastic thread to ruche the center back panel, and sewed in the two panels from the old bodice. There are knife pleats in the front of the skirt, and it's gathered slightly in back.

The main connection between the two pieces is the ruched panels. Beyond that, it's obviously completely different."

She's the default winner for January, but don't think that makes her accompliment any less beautiful.

Just a quick reminder:

The February Short Challenge is due tomorrow at New York midnight. Remember: FOR THIS CHALLENGE, THE DEADLINES ARE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT. THE SHORT CHALLENGE WILL BE DUE THE 13th AND THE LONG CHALLENGE WILL BE DUE THE 26th!

The Short Challenge entails:

Make a cover for an electronic device (cell phone, camera, mp3 player, etc.)
Budget: $3
Must have a picture of the cover in use.

The Long Challenge entails:

Budget: $10
Make a t-shirt. You may either refashion a pre-existing t-shirt, or build one from scratch. If you refashion, you must show pics of before. If you go from scratch, then just the usual pic of materials used, as in the rules.
You must also have some sort of 'decoration' on the t-shirt. This might include sewn on extras, such as puffed sleeves, pockets, hoods, etc. or screenprinting, fabric paint, jewels, or whatever you can think of.
Creativity is paramount! Think creative and unique!

Please don't forget to read the rules and the FAQ if you have a question, or PM one of the judges!

Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST

I found these safety pin charms on www.makingfriends.com. You can click on this link to obtain the specifications This is an adorable gift idea -- it's super affordable and quick. Safety pin charms can be worn on clothing or you can attach it oldschool style to your shoe laces. You can even take your charm and super glue it to a hair piece; think about threading some wire through it as well for a bracelet or anklet. All you need are various sizes of safety pins, both silver and gold (or you can use plastic, colored pins) and some beads and plastic charms. just slide the charms onto the pins and voila!

Happy Birthday Rob!

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:21:17 EST

Today is Rob's birthday and in honor, he was surprised by an awesome singing telegram - yup you guessed it. A hot pink gorilla dressed up in a tutu. What could be better than that? Nothing. Happy Birthday Rob. Hope you have a great day!

In an unrelated note, how awesome are these cupcakes? Perfect for the occasion!

Last Minute Valentine's Idea: Sewn Puzzle Cards

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:30:31 EST

Since Valentine's Day is just around the corner, here's a last minute card that's full of craftiness and fun. It's great for beginner sewers and you can write some pretty clever notes on it. Plus, if you're an advanced sewer and want to make more than 4 puzzle pieces, knock yourself out! For the templates and other cool Valentine's Day ideas, check out BurdaStyle (via Craft). Make sure you post your projects on the forum so we can see it!

Make Easy Crazy Quilt Blocks

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:36:24 EST

Have a lot of fabric scraps? Make these easy crazy quilt blocks! They're great for quick and easy projects like coasters or placemats, or put a few squares together and try a more ambitious project like a tote bag or a quilt.

The basic process for making these is sewing scraps to a piece of stabilizer like interfacing, muslin, or light paper. I'll get into the process of how to make the blocks in a minute, but first let's talk materials.

Materials:

Stabilizer
Fabric scraps

Stabilizer choices: You have two basic genres to choose from for a stabilizer. Either fabric-type stabilizer (muslin, other scrap fabric, or light interfacing), or paper-type stabilizer (tracing paper or plain newsprint from a pad). If you choose the fabric-type stabilizer, you can just sew and go. If you use the paper-type stabilizer, you have to remove the stabilizer after you're done sewing. I recommend these lighter papers if you are going the paper route, because removing anything heavier than this is ANNOYING! For my quilt, I used good-quality printer paper (that had already been printed on one side and was supposed to be thrown away), and then it took FOREVER to remove it all from my quilt.

There is also such a thing as tear away paper specifically for quilting, and there's also a kind of paper that dissolves when you wash it in the washing machine. Personally, since I don't think you should invest a lot of money in a project like this (i.e. a STASHBUSTING project), I'd recommend using whatever you have on hand, with the fabric-type stabilizers being at the top of my list. If you can avoid the paper, I recommend avoiding it.

Another cool thrifty option is to use old used fabric softener sheets for stabilizer. You just have to do a LOT of laundry. The drawbacks to these are that they are a lot smaller than a piece of paper, so you'll need even more blocks if you're making a big project. I used dryer sheets for the coasters shown above; they were a perfect size for that particular project.

Scrap choices: Don't try to match fabrics up, just use whatever scraps you have. The amazing thing about a crazy quilt is how once it's all sewn together, it looks like the pink and orange actually go with the turquoise and brown. If you don't have that many scraps, ask someone who sews if they have any leftovers (your grandma, mom), or just buy some remnants (leftover ends of fabric bolts at a fabric store -- usually marked down from 25-75%), or recycle some old clothing.

Other tips:

Each square will probably take you about 8-15 minutes, so it takes awhile to make a whole quilt. If you do it, put on Arrested Development and sew while you watch.
Even though this quilt takes awhile to complete, it's actually not that tedious. It's kind of fun to sew wacky fabric scraps together into something. And the fact that you are sewing without major planning does something for your creativity.
If you don't have time or patience for a quilt, four blocks would make a spiffy pillow or tote bag! Or, put three blocks together to make a purse with a flap. You're creative, you'll think of something.

Now, on to the instructions:

To make a block:

Step ONE: Prepare your stabilizer. Square it up if it isn't already. We all know how to make an 8.5x11" piece of paper into an 8.5x8.5 square, right?

Step 2: Put a piece of fabric face up on the corner, across the diagonal folded line. Make sure the fabric hangs over the edges of the corner.

Step 3: Put another strip of fabric face down on top of the first piece of fabric. If you are using paper as a stabilizer, set your sewing machine stitch to fairly small (this will perforate the paper to make it easier to remove later).

Step 4: Sew the two pieces together along the edge.

Step 5: Open the fabric so both pieces are facing up, and finger-press to flatten them.

Step 6: Repeat this process with other scraps of fabric, until you have covered the whole diagonal of the paper.

Step 7: Put a long strip of fabric face down on the edge of the diagonal section. Sew across.

Step 8: Finger press and repeat this process for both sides, until the whole square is covered with fabric. Make sure there is no part of the paper showing!

Okay, now the square looks funky, right? Not really like a square exactly, anymore. And you may have sewed your rows kind of off center (like I did on this one). It doesn't matter! This is a crazy quilt block.

Step 9: Iron, iron, iron.

Step 10: Turn over and trim excess fabric.

Step 11: Admire your new cool square! And repeat!

For the Quilt:

To make a quilt, sew these squares into rows. Then sew the rows together. (Try to match up the seams between each square with the seams of the squares next to them)

I chose to sew these together so that the diagonal is alternating like this: /\/\/\, but you can lay it out so it does this: ////// or \\\\\\ or just let it do whatever it wants to do.

If you lay it out alternating, like I did, your quilt will have a cool diamond pattern-y thing going on.

The quilt pictured here isn't actually big enough for even a twin bed, but I made 56 squares -- phew! I'm just going to sew some strips of plain fabric around it until it is big enough to do something with.

To complete the quilt, you will need to cut out batting in the same size, and also a quilt back (you can use an old sheet). You can either do some kind of binding around the edges (wide bias tape?), or do what I do and cut the quilt back larger than the front and fold it over the edges and sew around it, or you can make a quilt top, quilt bottom (facing the top), batting sandwich and sew around the whole thing leaving a decent-sized hole somewhere so you can turn it inside out and then finish the hole.

To "quilt" you can just use yarn or embroidery thread to make ties (google this for more info), or quilt any other way you know how or want to try.

Let me know if you have any questions!

For more thriftastic projects, check out my blog, Dollar Store Crafts.

Celebrity DIY Style: Fantasia's Grammy Dress

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:52:05 EST

Before any awards show begins, you can usually see me transfixed in front of the television watching the red carpet arrivals. While I love intricate or funky gowns, I'm always drawn to dresses that I can wear to something other than a special occasion. The dress that stood out for me at last night's Grammy Awards was Fantasia. Several sewing patterns look very similar to her style: Simplicity 2922, 3799, and Butterick 5177. Pair this up with an elegant brocade and you'll have a knock off that looks like you belong on the red carpet yourself. By the way, who wore your favorite look?

Weekly DIY Roundup: Knit and Crochet Hat Patterns, Part 2!

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:25:17 EST

For this week's second part of the hat roundup, I'm showing you berets and slouchy styles! There are so many great designs out there, but these are a selection of free patterns from around the web - as always with knit/crochet stuff, ravelry is the best way to find more! So I'm going to start with crochet this week, just to mix it up a little... Oh and if you haven't seen the Threadbanger video on How To Crochet a Hat, you're missing out!! Check it!

I love the stitch pattern on Merrickball's Marguerite Beret:

Crafty Pants' Pretty Puffs Slouchy Hat is pretty indeed:

Winter Crochet Beret by Chopped Tomatoes looks so thick and warm and cozy:

For a more light and airy design, check out angryolive's mesh beret:

And I'll transistion from crochet to knit with this hat by Kristin Roach of Craft Leftovers which uses both! The Black Swan has a ribbed knit brim, and a crocheted body:

I love this squishy, oversized hat by knitboy1 - Bounce:

For a super simple knit design, Learning My Way Through posted a pattern for Another Slouchy Hat:

Or you can check out Through the Loops' recipe for the One Day Beret, which will work for any gauge!

There are some gorgeous cabled beret patterns out there, like Kalamari Democracy's Cabled Beret:

One of my favorite hat designers, Woolly Wormhead, has several free hat patterns (and more for sale), including a few berets, like the Meret - the pictured example was knit by bluejay17:

How_german on craftster posted her pattern for this super cute two-toned hat, the Mermaid Slouchy Tam:

Ysolda Teague, my pick for best slouchy hat designer (she has several truly gorgeous beret patterns for sale on her website) designed Urchin as a free pattern for Knitty:

Ysolda also designed the Belle Beret for Snippets zine on Cut Out + Keep:

Sockpixie designed this beautiful February Beret, based on a sweater pattern by Elizabeth ZImmerman:

And lastly, Natalie Larson has a couple great slouchy hat patterns which are available as ravelry downloads - so if you're a member (and again, you should be!) you can check out the Spring Beret and the Star Crossed Slouchy Beret, which can also be downloaded here (this example is by Tiffany Thomas):

So many great designs out there, I hope you like my picks! You can share your favorites that I missed in the comments, and share your creations in the forums!

Clare Bare's Undwear Pattern

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:37:03 EST

Threads for Thread Heads Giveaway!

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST

Threadheads need thread! Now you can have, for FREE, the best thread made by a nearly 200 year old company, Coats & Clark, for the best sewing machine which has been around forever too, Janome.

Starting in February be one of the first 100 to purchase a Janome Threadbanger sewing machine and get this Coats & Clark thread starter kit, filled with 50 spools of their most popular thread, Dual Duty XP the Xtra performance thread, in 50 of the most popular colors, a $72 value for Free.

We're talking color -- everything from basic black and white to bright Neon Green and one even called Bowl of Cherries; looks good enough to eat! It's called all purpose thread because you can use it successfully for every purpose -- making a shirt, repurposing an old pair of jeans or tying a fly for fishing (really can do this). Your thread can make all the diff in the world in your creations.

125 yards of thread on each spool -- why that's 6,250 yards of thread for FREE if you are one of the first 100 to purchase a Janome Threadbanger sewing machine. Imagine what you can do with all that thread. Remember only 100 lucky Thread Heads will color their worlds with this drop dead gorgeous thread! Only 100.

To receive your free starter kit you must send us your Janome sewing machine receipt:

Email your receipts to tips@threadbanger.com

Fax your receipts to 212 321 7981, Attn: Threadbanger

or Mail them to Next New Networks, 419 Park Ave South, Suite 900, NY NY 10016 Attn: Threadbanger

Worn Out: Street Style Picks

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:02:14 EST

Yo guys! Here, as ever, are my top 5 favorite looks from the latest street style blog updates. Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section...

I thought the outfit on the left (from a January 27 post at Garance Dore was just staggering - never have I seen neutrals look so aggressive, and overall it's just an insane mix of fashion-forwardness and absolute comfort and necessity. The layered coat and cape is an innovative keep-warm method that doesn't sacrifice style, and the gorgeous handbag is an appropriate indulgence, considering how pared down the rest of the look is. The photo at right, from a February 2 post at The Sartorialist, is the truest take on androgyny I've seen in a while - this is straightforward, unapologetic boy-dressing, devoid of any feminine spins or irony. I love it, and I LOVE the Pee Wee Herman-esque white socks...

Both the above photographs are from Iceland's Reykjavik Looks, from January 26 and January 29 posts, respectively. I dig the look on the left for how EASY it is - the sweater/t-shirt dress is mega-relaxed but so pretty; she looks like she's out on a legitimate GIRL'S NIGHT - the kind where you're just hanging out with your friends and you look not only like YOURSELF, but like that very best version of yourself that you end up with when you're not trying too hard. I love it. While I realize that we're not getting the ENTIRE story of the outfit on the right, the chiffon and the jeweled headpiece this girl is wearing made her so resemble a disheveled little fairy that I found it completely irresistible. So pretty!

My favorite look the street style blogosphere put out over the last couple of weeks was the above photo from a January 31 post at Amsterdam's Dam Style. The tomato red accessory pops are right on target and just a joy to behold, and her overall vibe is so Bonnie and Clyde that it's almost killing me. It's vintage, sure, but the ankle boots, modern belt, and oversized cardigan keep things RIGHT NOW and oh-so-youthful. What a winner.

Celebrity DIY Style: Angelina Jolie Cashmere Dress

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:56:14 EST

Whether you're off to a day at work or an evening out on the town, you have to admit, cashmere always fits the bill. Angelina Jolie recently appeared in Tokyo to promote her Oscar nominated movie wearing this gorgeous dress - not only did she look fantastic, it made me want to make this style for myself. Modifying Jalie 2794's sweetheart top pattern is the best option to achieve this look (simply extend the pattern to the desired length). Pair it up with one of cashmere material from Trim Fabrics and you'll have a luxurious dress that will become a wardrobe staple. If you're looking for a similar look and feel without the price tag, then try this cotton, silk, cashmere blend from Sawyer Brook.

Weekly DIY Roundup: Knit and Crochet Hat Patterns, Part 1!

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:43:20 EST

A knit hat pattern I designed just got released on knitty, and since hats are my favorite thing to make, I thought it would be fun to do a 3 part series of free hat patterns! This week I'm rounding up form-fitting designs, starting with my Vortex hat:

Knitty has a ton of great hat patterns, like the lacey Foliage, designed by Emilee Mooney, in two different yarn gauges:

And I'll show you a couple more designed by me - there's the Short-Rows Wavy Hat:

And the Big Bulky Bucket Hat:

Now for a couple really basic ones (definitely guy-friendly!), there's knitboy1's BasicSimpleLazy:

And the purl bee's Whitney's 70's Ski Hat:

One of my favorite designers, Ann Weaver of Weaverknits, recently posted the first in her Recession Series of free patterns - The Opie Hat:

Moving to not quite so basic designs, I love the stitch pattern on the Beauford Hat by Knititude - it looks like cables, but it's not!

Then there's the Waffle Hat by Gail Bable (the pictured example was knit by cyclecat):

And here's a simple cabled design by canKNITian (pictured hat by AmigurumiParadise):

I love the boxy top of Stella's Hat by Melissa of knitting school dropout:

Another of my favorite designers, and a master of hats for sure, Cosy of cosymakes, designed this cute and simple Train Tam:

Now for a couple ear-flappy designs, there's Thorpe by Through the Loops:

And then there's the Stress Ball Hat by Christy of Neither Hip Nor Funky, on size 15 needles for a super quick knit!

Time for crochet! I love this hat based on the one in the Twilight movie, by JennyHats:

Rheatheylia has a couple pretty crochet hats - there's the swirly Divine Hat:

And the Cable Hat, with great tutorial photos on making cables with crochet!

And lastly, Drops Design has a pattern for this crocheted earflap hat:

Of course, this was only a tiny selection of all the free hat patterns out there - the best way to find more is to search ravelry! And, I'm rounding up free patterns because I know they are most appreciated, especially now, but I do encourage you to purchase patterns from indie designers too! The only way designers like me, and all the great people in this roundup, will be able to continue coming up with new patterns is if we do sell a few here and there, so support your crafty community! Yay!

Subscribe to the Threadbanger Newsletter!

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:05:21 EST

It has been brought to my attention that so many of you didn't know that the newsletter existed. This makes me sad for you because you're missing out!!! And just so you know, it's 100% free!!! So here's a quick rundown of all the wonderful things that the newsletter has to offer you:

1. Episode Recap: A quick recap of all the videos released since the newsletter. This is great if you don't have time to check back every Wednesday and Friday for new episodes.

2. Forum highlights! We highlight some of the best stuff on the Threadbanger forum including projects, questions and tutorials. If you're not a member of the forum, become one now.

3. Website of the Week. Need craft inspiration or just want to find other cool blogs and websites? We feature a new one every week. You can even submit your site to be featured.

4. Sneak Peak: A sneak peak of the next video on Threadbanger.

Also, if you're already a subscribing member, let me know what things you'd like to see in the future.

Sock and Awe

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST

The above snippet of a photo from Face Hunter serves as a great reminder that snuggling up in Winterwear doesn't mean you still can't be fashion-forward. With socks of all sorts on this year's Spring and Pre-Fall 09 runways (check out examples at Marni and Louis Vuitton), this is a trend you can jump on while temperatures are still freezing. Whether you're making oversized pairs to wear over tights or leggings and under boots (check out easy sock-knitting instructions here and an awesomely informative, 5-part youTube series starting here) or scooping cheap, colorful pairs to sport with jeans and your favorite Spring and Summer sandals, it's an easy, fun way to break out of a cold-weather fashion rut.

What are your solutions to keep your Winter style from drowning in boring outerwear? Share your tips in the comments section...

Eat Your Heart Out, Valentines Day

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:31:18 EST

Valentines Day is right around the corner, but we all know that the heart can be a year round symbol, right? So let's ditch the Valentine's Day theme and just go for what really matters.. the edible heart shaped food. And for all you craft lovers who want something a little more non edible, check our last years Valentine's Day blog post.

And for all you foodies, eat your heart out....literally.

1. Bleeding Heart Cupcakes

2. Heart Shaped Fried Eggs

3. Heart Shaped Pepperoni Pizza

4. Heart Shaped Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwiches (yum!)

5. Heart Shaped Pot Pie

6. Heart Shaped Ravioli and Pasta

7. Heart Shaped Chocolate Brownies

8. Heart Shaped PB and J

9. Heart Shaped Salmon Cakes

10. Heart Shaped Pancakes and Waffles

And for all you dog lovers out there....

Tablecloth Table on Apartment Therapy

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST

Confused? Don't be, this is no illusion. In fact, this table is so real you can eat off of it. I found this innovative creation on Apartment Therapy, made by the French artist/designer Sonia Verguet. It's fabric allows for it to actually serve as both a tablecloth and a table! Talk about dual action! Check out the blog on Apartment Therapy and let us know what sorts of interesting fabrics one would use to make something like this. If you have ideas on other kinds of dual functioning homemade awesomeness, send your ideas to us!

Typewriter Cuff Links on Etsy.com!

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:57:13 EST

I was checking out Etsy and I stumbled upon these fantastic typewriter cuff links. The artist's name is Joy and you can contact her and shop her collection on Etsy.com.

Say, does anyone want to share a "how-to" on making these? With Valentine's Day approaching quickly, this is a great gift idea for your special someone. I'm also wondering if there are any ladies out there who wear cuff links? Any fun ideas? Send them to us!

Throw A Self-Portrait Party!

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST

Inspired by a post at Fresh Picked Whimsy, my sister and I organized a “secret” activity for the family to do together: A Self-Portrait Party.

Project Materials:

Hardwood blocks or canvases
Acrylic paint
Paint brushes
Paper plates
Mirrors
Pencils

We had some hardwood blocks that we prepared by painting a plain color with acrylic paint. You could also use canvases, or high-quality artist's paper. Or, use up what you have on hand. You could paint vinyl records, recycled cardboard boxes, or whatever you have on hand. You might need to experiment with different kinds of paint if you want to go one of these routes.

You can pick up paint brushes, acrylic paint, hand mirrors, pencils, canvases (sometimes), wooden plaques, frames, and paper plates at the dollar store if you want to keep your party on a budget.

We gathered acrylic paints, paint brushes, paper plates (to use as individual palettes), and set up tables to give each person a workspace. We provided pencils to sketch with, and mirrors to use for reference.

We let people choose their blocks one by one, then everyone got down to work. Some people used the computer to take a picture of themselves to refer to. Even the reluctant people got into the project. They even ended up taking the longest on their portraits! All of them said they enjoyed the project.

This would be a great thing to do with a group of friends, family, roommates, or even co-workers. A self-portrait gallery on vinyl would look so great in a hip workspace!

Whoever you do it with, be sure to display the results grouped together for greatest impact.

For more shockingly hip crafts made from dollar store stuff, check my blog: Dollar Store Crafts.

Patagonia's on the ball

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:10:59 EST

While we are on the topic of shoes I thought you might be interested to see this Patagonia video on the art of Do It Yourself shoe-making using surplus leather. For all of our cowboys and cowladies out there -- here ya go!

Celebrity DIY Style: Giambattista Valli Voluminous Dress

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:45:53 EST

I adore retro fashions - especially those that have close fitting bodices and flaired skirts. If a petticoat is required (for that extra flare), that's even better in my book. So you can only imagine that when I saw Marisa Tomei and Diane Kruger wearing these vintage styled dresses, I had to find out more. Although Giambattista Valli designed their voluminous look, you can pull this style off for yourself with Vogue 1084 by eliminating the 'cowl' neckline, lengthening the sleeves to 3/4, and adding a crinoline under the skirt. For a more modern take on this retro look, you could also try Vogue 8020. This design eliminates the sleeves, drops the waistline, and gives you the option of adding pleats to you final design. No matter which one you chose, you're bound to look fabulous!

RHLS Patterns!

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:00:40 EST

Hi Everyone!

If you watched the video today, you're probably looking for the hoodie pattern. Click here to download to automatically start downloading the Instructions, Mens and Women's Pattern. Also, remember to read the directions carefully and throrughly before starting to avoid a wacky shaped hoodie! For more RHLS, visit their site!

Good luck and post your results on the forum!

CLICK HERE TO START DOWNLOADING THE PATTERNS AND INSTRUCTIONS

Worn Out: Street Style Picks

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST

Hey guys! Here are my top 5 favorite pictures from the street style blogosphere last week. Use that comments section to chime in with "hit" or "miss" and shout out what fashion blogs - street style or otherwise - you check daily.

The pic at left, from a January 19 post at Garance Dore, is a glimpse at what's coming up trend-wise for Spring. I'm so digging the rolled trousers (shades of last Spring/Summer, no?) and while I'm not 100% on board with the whole shoulder pad revival, they lend such an interest point to the outfit that I may actually have to figure out how to DIY that shape into a blouse or two of my own. Whether or not they'll make it out of my house and onto the street is To Be Determined...While the first outfit is totally unattainable (because of current weather conditions) I liked the photo at right, from a January 15 post at The Sartorialist, because not only is it SEASONAL but it, too, jumps ahead a bit to Summer. Crisp, white denim is certainly not the first thing that comes to mind when I'm putting together a cold-weather outfit, but the muted, military tones of the rest of his pieces give the pants new meaning. This is Winter casual, done sharp.

My next two favorite outfits are from, again, The Sartorialist (left, from a January 19 post) and (at right, from a January 21 post) AltaMira NYC. I found these two looks so similar: each a bit twee but given quite a personal twist. The left-hand look is as snuggly and colorful as all get out but the "cute" factor is tempered by expert layering and very fashion-forward shapes - cozy, yes, but the cuts and color-combos lean a bit more "avant-garde" than "crafty." The photo at right also starts out soft and cozy - the knit upper half of the dress, a cute plaid scarf - but the clean lines and ladylike herringbone pattern of the tights keep things in the realm of romantic simplicity. A very pretty Winter look - which, as we all know, isn't the easiest thing to pull off in your day-to-day.

My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE outfit this time around comes from a January 17 post at Face Hunter. It's impractical, it's improbable, it's a little tiny bit insane - and it's basically the greatest thing I've ever seen. I don't know about you, but pieces like the above are exactly why I love getting dressed so much - if you can find a piece that, above all odds, you feel great in, look great in, AND it makes you smile like that - well, that's nothing if not total wardrobe SUCCESS. Agreed?

Book Review: Do-It-Yourself Screenprinting

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

This awesome book by John Isaacson is made up of his 3-part zine, which is all done comic-style. There's a detailed how-to section, and sections about selling your own screenprinted t-shirts and about working a printing job. I'd never seen a comic how-to before this, but after reading this one, I want more! He does a great job of making screenprinting seem accessible to anyone and getting you excited to try it yourself, and I think the graphic style really helps with that excitement.

In the book, in addition to the 3 zines, you'll also find several screenprinter profiles with artwork and interviews, recommended reading (since this book is more of a primer than an official manual), a glossary of terms, and a list of online resources. And besides the basic screenprinting instructions, there's info about stuff like photo emulsion, mesh count, cleaning, and a section in the back about printing on paper, color separations, cutting stencils by hand (that's the way I do it!), and squeegie moves.

I love Zum Comics' review of the book on the back cover, that it "has an infectious gleeful enthusiasm for the subject which sweeps you along, making you want to join in."

Do-It-Yourself Screenprinting is published by a great independent publisher and zine distro, Microcosm, and can be found on their website, as well as Buy Olympia's, or maybe in an independent bookstore near you!

To Get You in the Mood: PTB January 2008 Recap!

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:42:33 EST

Since the deadline for the January 2009 long challenge is just about a week away, I thought I'd bring a recap of the January 2008 challenge to tickle your tastebuds, to get your synapses firing, to please the eye... and hopefully inspire you to join in on the new, improved Project Threadbanger. Even if you think it's too late to join in this month, be ready for February's challenge, to be released February 1st.

If you desire more recaps, hop on over to the Project Threadbanger MySpace, lovingly created and maintained by our very own postaldarkness! Or visit the PTB Flickr, fantastically archived by permanent PTB judge glass__onion!

January 2008's challenge was to "Make a shirt, jacket, hoodie, coat or dress out of something that isn't originally intended to be clothing. This can include around the house textiles, such as curtains, table cloths or bed sheets, or even something more creative." I bring you the first, second and third place winners.

First Place - ryanmoore - Shower Curtain Hoodie

Ryan stated, "This was not made with a commerical pattern, i made the pattern myself, it was so cool because it fits me very well. I just made the pattern from and old shirt, and some newspaper. The shower curtain material makes a good outer shell material, as in it acts like the outside of a windbreaker. Overall, i love this jacket."

Second Place - GypsyWildFlower - Sheet Halter Prom Dress with Bolero

Before pic: "Made from 1970's ruffled bed spread. £2.50 at the Salvation Army."

Third Place - Lizen -Short Sleeved Magazine Jacket

Why Lizen rocks extra, "I tried to pick pages that represented Threadbanger and Project Threadbanger (eg. a section on DIY, a page on decorating your bedroom the eco-friendly way, contests to enter - like Project Threadbanger, just recycling and reusing in general)"

Hope this whets your taste buds for the PTB to come!

VOTE THREADBANGER for the STREAMY AWARDS!

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:38:16 EST

Hey everyone!

We really need your help in nominating Threadbanger for the Streamy Awards. Please pass this onto your friends and family. The deadline to vote is TOMORROW, FRIDAY January 23, so PLEASE PLEASE do us a favor and vote ASAP.

The Streamys were created to honor the outstanding achievements of shows produced for online distribution. Any original production produced for broadband distribution with at least three (3) episodes released in the 2008 calendar year can qualify for consideration. The show must also be easily viewed and available online, either via a major video sharing site or unique URL. The nominations will be reviewed by members of the International Academy of Web Television, and the top 3-5 entries in each category will be selected as finalists.

Threadbanger is up for the category "Best Hosted Web Series" <--- click on the link to vote

Series Name: Threadbanger

Series Website: http://www.threadbanger.com

Thanks and good luck Threadbanger!!!!

Rob and Corinne at the Inauguration

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:04:56 EST

Rob and Corinne at the Inauguration from corinne leigh on Vimeo.

The Shirt Skirt and No Sew Bag!

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:38:22 EST

FashionIndie has this great post about a shirt skirt as seen in the picture above. As most of you crafty people can tell, it's merely a button up shirt, cut, sewn and re-crafted into this wonderfully stylish skirt. The beauty of this is that they are totally in style now and retail for hundreds of dollars at department stores. But they can't fool us! Try it at home and remember to post your photos on the Threadbanger forum!

To go with the skirt, check this pretty nifty NO SEW bag. So for all of you who have no yet purchased a Threadbanger Sewing Machine, you're in luck with this quick project (via Apartment Therapy). And I can think of a few uses for this bag including grocery shopping, beach bag, gym bag - the possibilities are endless! Instructions in the links above.

Early Weekly DIY Roundup: Happy Inauguration Day!

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:05:36 EST

I'm bringing you this week's Friday roundup early to celebrate this exciting day with some crafty goodness! When I rounded up election crafts back in November, it was really hard to keep things even between the parties, since there were far more creative Obama things going on around the web, so I'm happy to be able to bring you an all-Obama roundup today, full of hope!!

Yeah, that's me. You can make your own "Obamicon" here, it's super fun! And I hope even if you didn't vote for Obama, that you can see through party lines and still feel hopeful for the future of our country, which is what this roundup is all about!

Check out Legoland's amazing recreation of the inauguration, found on Curbly:

Back in that election day roundup, I told you about the Obama Craft Project blog, which is still going strong and is the best place to find creative Obama awesomeness. I love this piece of art recently posted there, a multi-layered stenciled work by STENZSKULLS:

Lise Gervais designed an Obama knit hat, and offers the pattern as a free pdf download. You can read about it on the Obama Craft Project, or find it on ravelry here.

That fabulous blog also pointed me to Nocturnal Knits' Obama-rama sweater pattern, also with a free download (here on ravelry).

If you're on ravelry, you can find tons more Obama knit designs, like Lauren Eaves' Obama patches, called "Ingenious Obama Logo" on rav, and Caffaknitted's Obama doll!

My favorite local yarn store here in Portland just released the pattern (and kit!) for these Obamarama socks!

If you're a crocheter, don't worry, I've got some projects for you, too! Check out AmiAmour's Obama doll on craftster!

And a ravelry search in the crochet category points me to Julee Dunekacke Jaeger's Obama Ornaments:

The Swell Life's Patriotic Poster Drink Charms would be great for any inauguration party tonight!

And One Pretty Thing did a roundup for today with lots of great party ideas!

On that party note, I'll point you over to one of my favorite funny blogs, Cake Wrecks, and their Presidential Sweet post today:

And I'll leave you with my hopefully kitten, Garbanzo!

Be sure to add any more Obama or inauguration related projects in the comments!

Shocking Discoveries about Needle Felting

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Inspired by this needle-felting tutorial at Dabbled by Sally from Pollywog's Cakewalk, my mom and I recently embarked on a needle-felting odyssey*. We're still refining our technique, but it is a fairly simple process, and also much more fun than you might expect. The thing that has kept me from needle-felting before this is the cost of the supplies, namely the felting needles (we got 5 fine needles for around $9) and the cost of the roving ($3 for half an ounce at our local yarn store). I am always tempted to buy in bulk when starting a new technique or project, but who wants to drop $50 when you don't know if you will enjoy it or not?

Legit needle-felters might roll over in their, um, studios, but we have some unorthodox findings to share with you. If you have been hesitant to jump into yet another craft because you don't want to invest in yet another stash of new, and spendy, supplies, listen to this:

You can needle-felt polyester batting. Yes. That cheap polyester batting. It works well for creating an initial shape that you can then cover with wool roving.
You can also use the polyester batting as is, and let it show. The white on these cupcakes was made using polyester batting. You can needle-felt it just as stiff as wool roving (as in the white cupcake liner, center), or leave it a little puffier, depending on the effect you want. It behaves almost the same as wool roving, except maybe easier to work with!
You can needle-felt non-roving stuff like wool yarn onto a polyester batting base. So, if you have a stash of wool or partially wool yarn, you can use it to try needle-felting out. We tried Lion Brand Wool-Ease and it worked.
Wrapping yarn around the polyester batting and felting it works. Cutting shorter pieces of yarn and unraveling it into "roving" works better.
You can needle-felt polyester felt pieces together. Felt sheets like the ones that cost a quarter at the craft store.
If you try to needle-felt polyester felt to polyester batting, the little batting fuzz comes through the holes in the polyester felt, so it doesn't work as well.

I haven't found info anywhere else on the internet that tells you the shocking truth about polyester batting and needle-felting. If I were teaching a class on needle-felting, I would hand out polyester batting to start with. It is great for practicing your technique.

I even had visions of dyeing the polyester batting for a huge supply of colored felting material. I did a bit of detective work and found that you can use a dye called iDye Poly to dye polyester. I haven't tried it, and have found no info on actually dyeing polyester batting, but it would be worth a try, and it seems like it would work. Just imagine dyeing a huge bag of batting and having all that material to needle-felt with for less than $6.

Your world has been officially rocked!

For more shockingly cheap discoveries and hip crafts made from dollar store stuff, check my blog: Dollar Store Crafts.

*So what are we working on? We're needle-felting figurines for a nativity set or three for next Christmas. We've already completed a few characters, including Mary, baby Jesus, a manger, Joseph, a sheep, and last night I worked on these two wise men. The second one is supposed to be wearing a turban, not having a Ronald McDonald afro.

TOMS Shoes - Eco friendly and help a child!

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:36:36 EST

I came across the shoe company, TOMS Shoes, which was started in 2006 by founder Blake. While vacationing in Argentina, he saw that so many kids were in need of shoes. They were walking to get water and food for miles and had nothing to wear on their feet. Therefore he started TOM's shoes for one reason - to help those kids in need. Not only are these shoes fantastic for the earth, but you can feel good about them They are fantastic for a multitude of reasons, but here are the top 3:

Their shoes are fly. Trendy, stylish, bold and cutting edge... not to mention afforadable.
They make their shoes out of recycled material, therefore they're eco friendly and earth friendly.
For every shoe purchased, they give a pair of shoes to a child in need in countries all over the world. What an amazing gift.
Check em out at www.TOMSshoes.com

Celebrity DIY Style: Michelle Obama

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 22:47:02 EST

Unlike (recent) first ladies before her, Michelle Obama has not revealed what she will be wearing to Tuesday's Inaugural Ball. No matter her choice, what our future first lady selects will set the tone for the presidency. With Michelle's innate sense of style, I suspect, whatever she wears will not only be praised, but coppied in both the ready-to-wear and pattern making market. Any doubt? She's already inspired designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Michael Kors and Diane von Furstenberg to submit their gown sketches to Women's Wear Daily.

Since we have no idea what Michelle Obama will be wearing in just a few short hours, it's only appropriate to knock off her most famous dress - The Donna Ricco sundress that she wore on The View (after the show, White House Black Market sold 2700 dresses of this style). If you remember back in July, I briefly discussed this dress. However, at the time, there was not a pattern available that could successfully recreate this style without modifications. Since then, Simplicity has released 2703 - a perfect knock-off if made in black and white! [photos via WWD]

How to Make Obama Inauguration Gear

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:19:08 EST

Watch the Episode Here:

Items Needed:

1. Printable Shrinky Paper

2. Ink Jet Printer

3. Curved, Sharp Scissors

4. Hole Puncher

5. Over / Toaster Over

6. Piece of brown paper to line oven

7. 16.5" of chain

8. 4 jump rings, and a clasp.

9. Needle Nose Pliers

10. Wire Cutters

1. Type out your word in a photo editing software. Each letter should be its own layer so that you can move each letter so that they are connected.

2. After the lettering is how you want it, insert less shiny, slightly sticky side as the print side into your printer and send to print!

3. Use the curved scissors to cut out the words, making sure to cut out all negative space.

4. Hole punch a hole on either side of the words. (this is where you'll attach the chain)

5. Preheat Over to just under 300 degrees Fahrenheit

6. Place template on piece of brown piece of paper and insert in oven

7. First, it will curl. If it curls too much on top of itself, take it out and flatten it and place back in over.

8. Then it will start to flatten. Once it is all the way flat, keep it in for 30 more seconds, and then its done. Take it out and place a flat object on top of it to press it down for 15 seconds while it cools.

9. Spray a few layers of black paint, waiting 15 minutes between each coat. Then coat with clear spray to seal it up.

10. Measure 16.5" of chain, and cut in half evenly. Attach jump rings to an end of each piece, and the clasp to one jump ring. Attach the two sides.

11. Take the remaining two jump rings and open them with the needle nose pliers. Attach the rings to either side of your lettering and a chain on each side.

And you're Done! ENJOY!

Up-cycle Shrinky Dink How-to:

1. Use #6 Plastic

2. Trace image onto plastic with permanent marker

3. On the other side of the plastic, use some sandpaper to rough up the surface, (so you can color in the image)

4. Use the same baking process as the Shrinky Dink

5. Spray some clear paint, wait for it to dry, and add jewelry hardware.ENJOY!

Obama Stencil T Shirt

Materials:

1. Obama Stencil
2. Exacto Knife
3. Spray Adhesive
4. Cardboard
5. Spray PAint
T Shirt
Transparency Paper

1. Download and print out Obama Stencil (preferably on transparency paper). Carefully cut out all the negative spaces.

2. Place the piece of cardboard between the layers of your t-shirt where you want to stencil your design. Apply a light coat of the adhesive to the back of your stencil, and then lay on shirt. Gently press down to secure in place.

3. Line the edges of your stencil with newspaper to avoid overspray.

4. Apply a light coat of spray paint to your stencil. Wait a few minutes for paint to dry, and peel off stencil. Enjoy!

Weekly DIY Roundup: Coffee Sleeves and Mug Cozies!

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:48:07 EST

I am a coffee drinker year round, but especially in the winter of course I like my coffee to stay hot, so mug cozies and cup sleeves are the way to go! I love to make sleeves from recycled felted sweaters, and you can easily adapt any of these designs to make them with felted wool, just by cutting the shape out and stitching as needed. Here is a super simple sleeve pattern by The Caffeinated Crafter:

Freakapotimus has another simple pattern for a coffee cup sleeve:

And a third basic sleeve pattern, this one made with gorgeous Noro yarn, can be found on another knitting blog:

Moving on to mug cozies, danido crafty designed a great adjustable one, so it'll fit all of your assorted mugs!

I think this design by mk carroll is beautiful, and it's made to fit either a mug or a french press:

This one by My Fair Katie has a different way of tying onto the mug, with i-cords:

Chronicle Books offers an excerpt on their website from their Winter Knits Kit, including the pattern for this mug cozy:

This mug cozy by Pippi Knits Stockings is designed to also function as a hand warmer!

Hooks and Knives wrote up a super simple crochet pattern for a coffee sleeve:

And yarnattacks on instructables shows us how to crochet these great mug cozies that also act as coasters!

Idle Hands has a very detailed how-to for this sewn coffee sleeve with a pocket:

Poppy tutorials shows us how to sew a velcro coffee sleeve that can double as a cuff!

Mary Ray on Craftstylish explains how to use a twin needle to make this super cool sleeve, I love it!

Also on Craftstylish, Shannon Dennis shows us how to make this sleeve from an old sweater:

And I'll show you one of mine, made with a felted sweater, with some embroidered embellishments:

So now you can keep your coffee (or tea!) hot and prevent your hands from burning! Comment with any of your favorite patterns or tutorials that I missed!

The Triumphant Return of PTB?

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:57:15 EST

Hey all. There were no entries for the short challenge for January! Nada. Zip. None. I don't know if everyone simply doesn't like the challenge for this month, or once again, it's just bad timing. Let us know! We can't improve this contest for you unless we know what's going on.

On the up side, there is now a specific forum for Project Threadbanger under Your Projects! Hopefully this will further our goal of making it more convenient, easily accessible, and organized for your participating pleasure. See the forum here!.

Also! I have been informed that for January's challenge, TB will be providing the winners a Threadbanger tee-shirt, a Generation-T sewing kit, and a Sew Fast, Sew Easy book! Work it out before January 28th and these sweet items can be yours!

Obama Gear

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:12:05 EST

Hey everyone! The inauguration is right around the corner and you know what that means....you need some DIY Obama gear! Rob, Meg, Will, Erik, S-town and I are making a special trip to DC to take part in the festivities (keep a look out on the blog next week for some of our personal inauguration footage) and we are super excited about it.

First off, the earrings above are made by Heidi Roland, I bought them for election night from a local shop and am glad to wear them again to the inauguration. The pictures are the artist's personal pictures she took of Obama during his campaign tour. We actually stopped by the Obama Girl Election Night Party for a bit and a bunch of reporters took pictures of them. They were quite the crowd pleaser.

Next up, we found a video by the compai girls on how to make a fabric stencil Obama Tee. Its pretty cool!

Last, but definitely not least, be sure to tune in tomorrow for our special inauguration gear episode!

xoxo c

TMI Girls Talk Eco-Friendly Fashion

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:57:40 EST

Besides recycling (the most green way to approach fashion), what are some of your favorite eco-friendly clothing/cosmetics companies? xoxo c

Blog Resolutions

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:55:52 EST

The New Year ALWAYS brings a bout of re-dedication in the blogging arena, and to that effect here are some of my favorite fashion, style, and craft blogs that have already been making waves in 2009:

A Cup of Jo covers a little bit of everything - art, photography, home, style, relationships, and more - and author Joanna Goddard started the year off with her practically perfect engagement photos (by photographer Max Wanger) and a little list of New Year's Resolutions that included the oh-so-charming "dress like a French woman" and "take morning walks." As long as those walks don't get in the way of the seemingly (and gratifyingly!) constant stream of blog updates, I wish her luck on both endeavours.

bits + bobbins is a perennial favorite of mine, and after a tiny little blogging break (to welcome a tiny little bundle of joy), wardrobe_remix founder Tricia Royal is back in full effect. Highlights of her 2009 efforts include two of her always-enjoyable "wardrobe_remixers o' the week" posts and a thought-provoking discussion on secondhand clothing. I'm so looking forward to what the rest of the year brings.

Artist Kime Buzzelli has been keeping things at her blog, The Moldy Doily, WAY INSPIRATIONAL for a while now - and her forays into 2009 posting are true to form. It's a great place to turn to if you're in need of a little aesthetic kick in the pants; already she's posted on fiber artists and a friend's LA apartment building that was recently featured on The Selby. The craftiness and handmade vibe never fails at The Moldy Doily, and I'll be checking in daily. So - what online resources have YOU already been turning to in this New Year? And do any of you out there have blogs of your own that you're planning on making even BETTER in 2009? Fill me in!

Project ThreadBanger Reminder + Inspiration!

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:59:26 EST

Remember, the deadline for Project ThreadBanger's MINI CHALLENGE is this Wednesday Jan 14th, so be sure to get your entries in before then!

If this is your first time checking out Project Threadbanger, here are the rules and details:

Take a period item of clothing and remake it for modern times! In association, the mini-challenge will be to make an accessory to go with your long challenge piece! (I.e. if you make a coat for the long challenge, make a hair peice, hat, purse, necklace, etc. to go with the coat). Don't worry if you didn't enter this time, there is always next month!

Read the entire forum post for more info

Mini-Challenge: Deadline: January 14th

Budget of $5
Recycle items to make your final product

Long Challenge: Deadline: January 28th

Budget of $10
Recycled materials encouraged, but not required
Must include picture/sketch/image of original inspiration piece
Must be some connection to original piece and modernized piece

For those who are new to the contest, here are a few creative entries from previous challenges.

First off, shadesofgrey.'s Doritos wrappers top:

Lizen's short-sleeved magazine jacket:

postaldarkness's polka dot belt:

ryanmoore's shower curtain jacket:

And lastly, creative_license's embroidered cupcake apron:

I hope these inspire you to send in your own project! For many more amazing entries, check out the PTB photostream.

And a reminder to all entering: PLEASE, include your name with your entry. (You'd be surprised at how many people forget.)

Celebrity DIY Style: Eva Longoria Toga Style Dress

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:53:20 EST

Eva Longoria arrived at this year's Critics Choice Awards wearing a stunning, turquoise, Grecian-style toga dress. The heavily embellished neckline and belt set her dress apart from everyone else this year. Dare to wear something similar? Try Vogue 1047 - being sure to change the hemline and adding stones, jewels, beads, and interesting buttons to the waist and neck to make this a great celebrity knock off.

Weekly DIY Roundup: Knit and Crochet Scarves!

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:36:28 EST

Since I first learned to crochet and knit over a holiday break when I was in college, and scarves are what almost everyone starts with, I thought this week would be a good time for an easy (and free) scarf pattern roundup. So if any of you decided to pick up the sticks or hook over the holidays and now want something a tiny bit more complex, here you go!

I just released a free pattern for that scarf above, called the Waving Chevron Scarf. Much easier than you might think, it's a basic garter stitch scarf (so you only need the knit stitch, no purling) with simple increases and decreases forming the waving chevron. And it'll work with any yarn weight and needle size, so you can play around with whatever you have on hand!

If you're new to knitting or crochet, I highly recommend signing up to join ravelry, hands down the best place to find patterns. A search for free knit scarf patterns brings up 115 pages of results, so I've just picked out an assortment of easy, popular patterns to include in the roundup. Starting with ImagiKnit's My So Called Scarf - a simple stitch pattern that makes variegated yarn really pop!

Next up, Brooklyn Tweed wrote up a pattern for this super basic concept that gives incredible results - a 1x1 ribbed scarf striping between 2 different balls of Noro self-striping yarn. And his photography really brings out the best in the Noro Scarf!

Susan on Knit List turned a very basic rib pattern into the Scrunchable Scarf, and glides4fun on flickr made this pretty pink version of it:

Karen Baumer wrote the pattern for the Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf, which uses some easy short rows for a really great look, especially when knit with self-striping yarn. Mollieta on flickr knit this gorgeous version:

The Rainy Day Scarf by Unique One Sweaters and Yarn has a cool wavy pattern created just with knit and purl stitches.

Frazzled Knits has a pattern for an Easy Drop Stitch Scarf, which looks great in a variegated yarn!

Half-Assed Patterns has this Instant Gratification Scarf - "ridiculously easy and quick" sounds good to me!

If you want to try out some cabling, check out SIlver's Palindrome: A Reversible Cable Scarf, which looks the same on front and back:

Another great place to search for free knitting patterns is knitty.com, a seasonal online magazine packed with knitting patterns by independent designers for all skill levels. All knitty's scarves can be found here. My first pattern I ever wrote happened to be a scarf published in knitty, called Entwined, with built-in fingerless mitts:

If you want to venture into the world of lace, the Branching Out scarf by Susan Pierce is an easy pattern to try out!

And now, moving on to crochet! Again, join ravelry if you haven't already, where you'll find 25 pages of free crochet scarf patterns. A simple but great looking pattern for the Love Scarf by Annette Petavy can be found on crochetme:

Knitting Daily has a pattern for this wavy crocheted scarf called Float Away by Kim Werker, love it!

Laughing Purple Goldfish Designs posted a pattern for this One Hour Scarf, which is made with 4 different reclaimed yarns, yay!

Knitboy1 of Yarn Ball Boogie chained 200 stitches and made this amazing scarf with 5 shades of bulky Lion Brand:

Also on Yarn Ball Boogie, knitboy1 wrote up this "not REALLY a pattern" for Toof, a great striped crochet scarf:

Robyn Chachula designed Zen and the Art of Stash Diving on crochetme, a pretty, lacy scarf:

Coats and Clark has a pattern for this Crochet Cabled Scarf; this one was made by amy_cohas on flickr:

And lastly, The Mermaid's Creations shares the pattern for this cool Sushi Roll Scarf!

If you're new to either knitting or crocheting, don't be scared off by these patterns, you can handle a little complexity! And if you're more advanced, it's always fun to have a simple project to work on when your mind needs a break, right? If you have a favorite scarf pattern, share it in the comments, and if you make one you're proud of, show it off here or in the forums!

'Bride Wars'

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:20:11 EST

This weekend, go see the long-awaited female-written comedy Bride Wars. This movie is hilarious and heart-felt, the acting is stellar across the board, and the cast is jam-packed with all of your favorite scene-stealers.

Not only is this fantastic film written by two dear friends who deserve all of the support in the world(!!!), it is also one of the few female-driven comedies that have made it to the big screen backed by a major movie studio. With women behind it and in it, the film can't help but have a tremendous amount of heart and soul. Moving and hilarious, 'Bride Wars' has the perfect balance and is a great movie to go and see on it's opening weekend.

Almost every costume provides inspiration for DIY fashion, I'd love to see how this movie inspires YOU!

Say NO to the CPSIA!!!

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:02:36 EST

Some of you may already be aware of this and if you aren't please read on. A new legislation called the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) was recently passed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) this past August 2008. The law was intended to protect children under 12 years old from coming into contact with lead and other substances that are usually found in children's toys, clothing and furniture. Though it's great that they are looking out for the safety of children, many crafters are faced with the fear that they won't be able to stay in business due to costly tests and certification required of the proposed legislation.

According to the law, all manufacturers, whether it's Mattel or any Etsy shop owner will have to have their products tested in order to comply with this law to ensure that lead, phthlates and other harmful substances aren't found in the products. Those who don't comply will face thousands of dollars in fines and/or jail time.

Now you see what a huge deal this is for indie designers who don't have the same kind of funds are larger multi-million dollar companies. In addition to the mandatory testng, the new law also states that anything manufactured before Feb 10, 2009 that has not been tested to meet CPSC standards cannot be sold. February 10th, 2009 has been labeled “National Bankruptcy Day” by many manufactures and retailers in the industry Internationally. This doesn't only apply to indie designers, but also Vintage store / Thrift Store owners etc. Can you imagine how much stuff will end up wasted and in landfills? If this law isnt amended, many small businesses will close and only large corporations will be in existance.

Changes need to be made so please make your voice heard by signing a petition, write to and call your congress person, contact your local news stations and follow along at http://nationalbankruptcyday.com It would be a real shame to see all the lovely handmade shops, vintage shops, thrift shops, local retailers and manufactures of children’s products be forced to close their doors come February. Feel free to post any links to sites with info relating to the CPSIA and to re-post this info on your own blog.

Sign the petition:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA/index.html

Vote for Change at Change.org:
http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia

The Handmade Toy Alliance has provided a sample letter and listed contact info for your Congress Person and Senators:
http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/

National Bankruptcy Day Site:
http://nationalbankruptcyday.com

Write to man who sponsored this bill and send him an item of yours that will be illegal to sell after Feb 9th, 2009 in protest. http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5949146

Bobby L. Rush (D)
Washington Office
2416 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
phone: 202-225-4372
fax: 202-226-0333

Read Etsy's Open Letter to the CPSIA for more info: Handmade Children's Items & Unintended Consequences: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act

Project Threadbanger's Triumphant Return!

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:29:29 EST

If you haven't heard, I've been working to get PTB back up and running. Life nommed me up good a while back, and I lost touch of the internet in general. But I'm back with a vengeance and bringing PTB with me.

There's been a few small changes in order to simple things up a bit. Permanent judges so we don't have to worry about that silly rotating judges schedule. The three permanent judges for PTB are TomSawyer, glass__onion and patchwork_kitty. The rotating "guest" judges for January are klc1168 and jsedai_77.

There is no more 'registering' since we eliminated the rotating judges schedule. So anyone can participate as many or few times as they wish, and in any challenge! Also, that will eliminate the huge extra step of anonimizing the entries, because I think will a core group of faithful, permanent judges, they can be trusted to be unbiased.

We are sticking to the mini-challenge/big challenge system, but there is now a set schedule every month for judging:

New challenge - 1st
Mini-challenge deadline - 14th
Big challenge deadline - 28th
Judges ruling - Last day of the month

I'm hoping all of these changes will make things more streamlined and easier for people to participate. November was a rocky start, but I think it was a matter of bad timing and lack of getting the word out. Hopefully this new year will welcome the new improved PTB!

Check out the Project Threadbander Update thread for the current challenge. For more info and rules and procedure, see the PTB FAQ and the Super Final Rules. If you've got a challenge idea, be sure to submit it to thePTB Challene Thread!

Community Patchwork

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:19:12 EST

Check out this amazing patchwork tent - actually handmade by the community on New Years Even in Austin. What a great team effort. (via Apartment Therapy)

DIY Dollar Store Bathmat

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:42:25 EST

Using a few bucks' worth of materials from the dollar store, I made a spankin' new non-skid bathmat in my favorite colors.

I bought a 6' roll of shelf liner to use as the non-skid surface on the bottom of the mat. A large blue waffle-weave dishtowel was perfect for the bathmat surface, and these cool felt cutouts were a good way to dress up what otherwise would have been too plain. I also added an old towel from my stuff to sandwich in between the other layers. It provides some extra absorbency and nice cushion to the mat.

Project Cost:

Shelf liner, $1
Dishtowel, $1
Appliques, $1
Old towel, $1

Total cost: $3

To make:

First, I sewed the snowflake cutouts onto the right side of the dishtowel. I just sewed around them with my sewing machine. It might be a good idea to tack the centers down as well.

After the appliques were sewn, I laid the dishtowel out on my work surface and then cut a piece of towel to fit inside it--about an inch shorter around all sides. (After I took the picture, I decided to cut another piece that didn't have that puckery piece at the end of the towel, as shown. It was a good choice!)

Then I rolled out the shelf liner and measured it to the same size as the green towel. It wasn't wide enough, so I had to cut two pieces of the shelf liner and sew it together. I just used a straight seam, figuring it won't really be seen. You could also sew it right sides together and then put the seam-side facing in toward the towel.

Before I started the project, I was concerned that the shelf liner stuff would stick to my sewing machine plate as I tried to sew on it. It worked a lot better than I was afraid it might, and went through without sticking.

After the shelf liner was sewn, I trimmed it to fit and then put it on top of the dishtowel and the towel.

Then I folded the dishtowel edges over and pinned them all the way around the mat. I cut the corners of the towels out as shown because I wasn't sure my machine would sew through the thickness of the corners. If you wanted to be a bit neater (and avoid a bit of a raw edge at the corner after it's sewn), you could cut across the corner diagonally and fold the diagonal in and then fold over and sew.

After it was pinned, I sewed all the way around the mat, and then turned it over and sewed around the perimeter one more time to add topstitching. Then I sewed across the mat just above the appliques, and then about 1/3 of the way down from the top, just to keep the towel inside from shifting. If you have one, you will want to use a walking foot for this step to keep the top layer from shifting as you sew it.

You could also use the same materials to make coordinating hand towels and curtains for your bathroom! Or add some of the cutouts to a shower curtain or other bathroom accessories. You could also use this mat in your kitchen or entryway.

You can find more Dollar Store Crafts at my blog.

Worn Out: Street Style Picks

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:17:15 EST

Hey guys! I present to you, as always, my top 5 favorite pics from the last few weeks of street style blogging. Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section - including what street style or other fashion sites you're feeling these days. Here we go:

I like these first two outfits for the way their wearers managed to take a look I normally associate with another season - prepster in the Fall and nautical in the Summer, respectively - and make it totally winter-appropriate. At left (from a December 15 post at Alta Mira NYC), the chunky weight of the sweater and the dark, evergreen hue of the denim winterizes a look we've been seeing since early October; at right (from a December 19 post at Street Peeper), her sweet polka-dot leggings, heavy lace-up boots, and prim dress make for a perfect cold-weather interpretation of pin-up nautical. It's almost a little gothic, no?

These next two photos (the left from a December 14 post at Face Hunter; the right from a December 12 post at Garance Dore) were just such a great mix of COMPLETELY KOOKY and TOTALLY GROUNDED that I couldn't resist them. The funny vintage cape at left is played up with the pom-pommed hat but kept down to earth by the solid boots and neutral, thigh high socks. And while the trimmed, electric blue coat at right runs dangerously close to over-the-top, those ripped tights and beaten up Chuck Taylors keep things from becoming too impractical. They're both fun looks.

This outfit, from a December 12 post at Copenhagen Street Style, was EASILY my favorite look - and while much of that has to do with how interesting her trench coat is (what an excellent take on a classic!), I was mostly impressed by her mastery of THE ART OF LAYERING. The fit of her pieces is perfect - the slouchy sweater under the open coat could be hiding up to THREE more layers underneath it and we'd never be the wiser, and she's got a great foundation for it all with covered up legs (do I spy tights AND cropped cigarette pants? GENIUS) and practical-but-totally-cute booties. This girl is my December Style Star.