Coming Soon ~ Pinterest Projects: 2014

One of my good friends recently moved to another state, and I miss her dearly - we had game nights, football afternoons, and movie nights too. In an effort to stay connected over the distance, we decided to start a monthly Pinterest Project.

We agreed on the first one, and I am WAY behind!  We also decided we would include anyone who wanted to join us and we would also try to get some fun gifts (Christmas, birthday, teacher, etc) done during the year as well as some fun stuff just for us.

Here is the link to the Pinterest board I started to share our projectes in:  http://www.pinterest.com/wendibarker/project-pinterest-2014/

For January, we chose to do a painted canvas, decorated with glue before painting so that there is a raised image on the canvas.  It looks great!!

When I get mine done, I'll add a pic :)

~ Wendi

A Crafty Sock Needle Holder - Homemade With Love

I'm just learning to knit socks, which I have fun with - they are small enough that I can actually complete them, and quick enough to see nice progress to keep my interest.  I don't know if you are like me, but I can get bored with larger projects.

I knitted the pair of socks shown on the left because I have a slippery kitchen floor and I wanted to see if wearing Yoga socks would help keep my feet warm while still being able to walk without slipping.  So far I'm loving them.

I love the non-slip (because my heel and toes are both in contact with the floor), I love the look, and I love the color.

I have to admit that my toes are a tiny bit cold, but otherwise, this is a home run!

I've been slowly building my sock needles, and decided I needed a case to store them in - but the problem is that they are pretty expensive if you buy one from someone else, and I had found the PERFECT fabric.

My favorite color is purple, so this begged to be made:

It took me two afternoons and an evening to complete, which was pretty fast considering there were multiple school runs to pick-up my son, and lots of other interruptions.  :)  I'm rather happy at how it turned out - and yes, it still needs a tie strap, but I chickened-out on that and will wait for some help.

Now I'm plotting for the next organizer... if you have any tips for me, feel free to share them!!

Happy Crafting!!!  (If I can do it, YOU can do it!)

The Knitted Teddy Bear by Sandra Polley

I've always loved teddy bears, and even crocheted about 45 with my Mom while on bedrest awaiting the arrival of our first baby - they made really cute baby announcements... so when I saw this book, I fell in love.  Not only are the bears in this book cute, but the instructions are all written in a clear and helpful way, so it is fun to make one-of-a-kind creations that will be cherished.

Author Sandra Polley has done a GREAT job of keeping things simple and easy to understand.  She explains everything in detail with illustrations and pictures to help out.  She also uses straight-forward stitches and has the instructions for each one in the front of the book.  She also talks about where to get supplies, how to change the face to make it younger, older, smile, etc, and she has great tips on stuffing and even mentions that you can buy a pillow and use the stuffing from that (you can often find a sale on pillows and fiber filled quilts, and they may be less expensive than the same filling purchased from a craft/fabric store).

Another fun thing I noticed is that the author even gives tips on making the bears with movable joints.

The bears in this book are all different sizes, so readers/crafters can pick their favorite and go from there.  Honestly, I think a newer knitter would do just fine following the instructions, so if this sounds fun - don't be afraid to jump in!  (after doing one or two, you can probably figure out how to change the pattern up a bit to make them skinnier or plumper as well)

For those knitters who like to work from charts - I didn't see any in the advance copy - only written instructions, which I actually prefer.  The illustrations showing how to assemble the bears and clothing are great, and the author includes many handy tips.

This is going to be a great book for any knitter, any fan of teddy bears, or anyone wanting to make a keepsake toy for a friend or loved one.

The Knitted Teddy Bear: Make Your Own Heirloom Toys, With Dozens of Patterns For Unique Clothes  
by Sandra Polley
Publisher: Anova Books - Collins & Brown Imprint  ~ 96 pages Available now
Non-Fiction / Crafts - Knitting

Edition Reviewed: eBook - Review copy received courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley, many thanks to both the author and the publisher for sending me an e-copy to review!

About the Book (from the publisher):

-Patterns for bears and accessories for teddy bear devotees

-More than 12 different teddy bear patterns from the classic hump-backed, long-armed collector’s bear to a miniature baby bear

-Each bear is shown knitted up with easy-to-follow instructions and clear diagrams

Knitting small toys is an absorbing and addictive hobby and homemade teddies have a special charm all of their own. The Knitted Teddy Bear has patterns to knit more than twelve gorgeous teddy bears, ranging in style and size. You will find traditional-style heirloom bears for serious teddy affictionados; for children there are bears with their own wardrobe of clothes; and there are tiny teds for the miniature bear enthusiasts

The instructions are easy to follow and there are clear diagrams showing how to sew up, thread-joint, and create the perfect gift or heirloom. You can build on the patterns given to create many other variations, including ‘old’ bears that have been loved and left in the attic, character teddies and mascots. The Knitted Teddy Bear is perfect for teddy bear lovers and keen knitters of all skill-levels from the experienced to relative beginners.

About the Author: (from the publisher's site)

Sandra Polley has had many years experience with crafts, especially knitting and soft toy-making. She has a particular interest in making and collecting miniature teddy bears. She started to design her traditionally styled knitted bears about 2 years ago and now runs a successful small business selling her knitting patterns and kits worldwide. Her teddy bear patterns have recently been featured in the UK’s Woman’s Weekly magazine.

*Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate. I get a very small amount for any purchases made when you click through a link from Wendi's Book Corner, which I then save up to buy more books. :)

Learning to Use Ravelry

Back in 2009 I signed up for a Ravelry account to keep in touch with a friend, and to find some fun crochet and knitting patterns.... then I kind of lost interest and left my account alone.

I recently became active with my account again because of an old 4-H hobby I started when I was around 8 or 9... spinning!  I have been able to find a wealth of information on the site to cover all kinds of fun things from Crochet, Kitting, Spinning... Recycling Sweater Yarn (who knew???) and oh-so-many fun things!!

I recently got to be a crochet tester for a new pattern, which I love!!

Have you checked out Ravelry yet?  If not, take a peek, and if you have, send me a message on there - I'm wbarker on there :)

Making Fun And EASY Fancy Decorated Easter Eggs (With Crayons)

Here is one of my favorite Easter Eggs from last year, and believe it or not, it was pretty easy to make.  I'm saving some of our eggs out so I can do these again this year too.

Note: DON'T boil the eggs for this ahead of time.  You need the eggs nice and hot because they will melt the crayon wax.

You might want to experiment with different types of crayons.  I had the best luck with normal crayons, but also used the cheaper ones we got at restaurants with the kids meals.  They do melt a little differently.

You Need:
1. Freshly boiled eggs (They need to be HOT)
2. A thick napkin to help hold your egg (Or you can use the egg carton)
3. Crayons (more colors make it more fun)
4. Egg dye

Steps:
1. Place a HOT hard boiled egg in a carton, or hold it in your hand by using something like a napkin or rubber glove (they type you wear to wash the dishes)
2.  Begin holding a crayon against the egg so the wax will melt
3. Make designs on the sides, let it melt from the top and drizzle down the sides, etc
4. When you have your egg decorated the way you like, set it aside to cool, then you can leave it or dip it in egg dye like normal eggs