Knitting Yarns - Get Started Spinning Your Own Yarn for Craft Projects

Get Started Spinning Your Own Yarn for Craft Projects

Any knitter can vouch for the importance of a good yarn. It makes projects turn out better and gives them the desired weight and texture. There are lots of yarn options out there, but what if you can't find one that suits you perfectly? Well, you could spin your own.

Spinning yarn is not a complicated process. You can do it with a spinning wheel or a drop spindle. Spinning wheels are larger, quicker and more expensive, while using a drop spindle is slower, but they are smaller and cheaper.

Both do a fine job at creating yarn, so which one is best for you will depend on your budget and preferences.

One other advantage of drop spindles is that with a little practice and a good set of instructions, you can often figure them out on your own. Spinning wheels, on the other hand, require a great deal of coordination and concentration, especially when you're starting out. If you have trouble, spinning classes are available in most areas.

Selecting and Preparing Your Fiber

Besides your spinning wheel or drop spindle, you'll need some fiber. Wool is generally regarded as the best fiber to start out with. You can find it in craft stores, on eBay, or from online craft suppliers. These places often sell wool that has already been carded, which means that all knots have been worked out and it's ready to use.

Fiber that comes straight from the animal will need to be washed first. Dishwashing liquid and hot water should get it nice and clean. The wool should not be agitated, just soaked in the water and dish soap for about 30 minutes. After that, add some cold water, let it soak again, then remove and press the water out without rubbing the fleece together.

If you use fiber that you've gotten straight from the animal or buy fiber that hasn't been carded, you'll need to card it before you begin. This can be accomplished most easily with an electric carding machine. Paddle carders require more work on your part, but they are less expensive and work just fine.

Time to Start Spinning

Once you've prepared your wool, you can start learning how to spin it. There is a learning curve with either method, but once you've gotten the hang of it, it's like second nature. If you'd like to get a feel for things before spinning from scratch, you could spin two yarns together to create plied yarn.

Spinning yarn is an age-old process, and one that is mostly done in factories these days. But doing your own spinning can be quite rewarding. It allows you complete control over your yarn, making your finished products turn out better. Why not give it a try?

For easy and fun knitting projects, have a look at Knitting Essentials

Taking Custom Orders At Craft Shows without Overbooking Yourself

Taking Custom Orders At Craft Shows without Overbooking Yourself

For those who craft for a living (or to make some extra money), craft shows can be very profitable. They put your creations in front of a targeted audience, and they give you the opportunity to interact with potential customers and answer their questions. It's important to take plenty of products with you, because at a good show they will go faster than you think!

Another great thing about craft shows is that they are great places to get custom orders. They allow customers to take a close look at your work, and if they are impressed but want something different, they might ask you do make something special for them. It's important to be prepared for this.

Custom orders are wonderful, but if you're not careful, you might end up overbooking yourself. It is crucial to know how many projects you can realistically do, and how long it will take you to do them.

If you take on too much, you could fall behind quickly. Here are some tips to help prevent this:

1. Determine how long it takes you to do a simple project. If you truly have no idea, start timing yourself. You'll need to know this in order to accurately estimate how many projects you can do in a given time frame.

2. Take into account any extra work that will be required for a custom order. If a customer requests something that will require a great deal of extra effort or materials, we will usually consider that when quoting a price. But we need to make it a point not to forget to consider it when setting a time frame for the project, too.

3. Set limits regarding what you will and will not do on custom orders. Some requests might require expertise that you do not possess, and others might take up more time than you're willing to spend on a project. Sometimes it pays to say no.

4. Give yourself a little extra time for each project. You never know when there might be a delay in getting the materials you need, or when something else might come up and put you behind. It's better to give yourself a little too much time than not enough.

5. Remember that you have a life outside of crafting. When the orders are coming in, it can be tempting to book ourselves solid and not leave any time to do other things. But if we let ourselves get burned out, our work will suffer. Make sure you leave yourself room to take a day off every now and then.

For some crafters, custom orders make up a large portion of their business. But it's important not to let them take over your life. You need to make sure you have adequate time to do your non-custom work. Doing custom work can be a feat of scheduling, but if you schedule properly, you won't have to dread it.

Download Beading For Beginners, Access Is Instant!

How to Find and Participate in Swaps Locally and Online

How to Find and Participate in Swaps Locally and Online

Craft swaps are a fun way to connect with your fellow crafters. They can also help you find a home for crafts that you have created but do not use, and to add craft items made by others to your collection. But craft swaps are not that easy to find in some areas.

Finding Swaps

Craft swap groups that are looking for new members often place ads in the paper. Advertising rates are usually cheaper in smaller trading post publications, so they are a good place to look as well. Some groups even post flyers in grocery stores, laundromats and other public places, so keep your eyes open for them.

The Internet has made finding craft swaps substantially easier. Lots of local craft swap groups have created online presences, either with their own websites or through groups on sites like Facebook, Yahoo Groups and Meetup. You can often find them by doing a Google search for the term "craft swap," either preceded or followed by your city and state. Or if you have a favorite social networking site, you can search it for craft swap groups in your area.

You can also find craft swaps online that are not limited to a geographical area. Instead of exchanging items in person, members mail them to one another. Most stick to a certain country or region to reduce shipping costs, but if you're interested in international crafts and don't mind the added cost, you may be able to find one that swaps between two countries or worldwide.

Participating in Swaps

Different swaps have different rules, so it's important to learn them before participating. In general, swaps fall into two categories: swaps in which members swap amongst themselves, choosing what they wish to swap for, and swaps in which all items are distributed by random drawing.

In groups where members swap amongst themselves, all items are put on display, either at an event or on a website. You can then browse what's available and try to make deals with other crafters. If you can't make a deal on an item you want with a direct swap, a three-way swap might work out to your advantage. You give your item to one person, she gives her item to another, and that person gives her item to you.

Random swaps are less predictable, but they're also lots of fun. Each item is usually assigned a number, and either the participants draw their own numbers or the organizers hold a drawing. In the case of an online swap, the participants may not know what they're getting until it arrives in the mail.

When participating in online swaps, it's important to ship your items promptly. Most groups have a feedback system, and if you take too long or fail to ship your items, you could be banned from the group. But if you fail to receive your item, you can leave feedback stating that as well. Many groups also have "swap angels," which are crafters who send items to those who have sent things out but received nothing in return.

Participating in a craft swap has lots of benefits. You can find other crafters to share ideas and patterns with, get rid of crafts you don't need, and get new things to use yourself or give as gifts. Whether you swap in person or online, you're sure to make new friends and learn new things.

How To Beading - Easy Key-ring

Making these easy key-rings as small gifts is a quick and easy craft even small kids will be able to handle.


What you need for this beading craft:

• A variety of beads


• Charms


• 20 Seed beads with holes big enough to fit over 3 lengths of tiger tail


• Tiger tail

How to do this beading crafts:

1. First you have to cut three lengths of tiger tail more or less 16 inches long.


2. Thread the 10 seed beads into the middle of the tiger tail, threading all three simultaneously thorough the 10 seed beads.


3. Push the tiger tail through the opening of the key-ring.


4. Fold it in half so that the 10 seed beads hang over the key-ring


5. Now you have to bring the 6 ends of tiger tail together and thread them all simultaneously through a large bead.


6. Split the tiger tail and thread them separately with the choice of smaller beads placing different sized in between to make an interesting pattern


7. Continue beading until you have about 1 inch tiger tail left


8. Thread a crimp and a small bead to act as stopper or charm at the end


9. Now you push the tiger tail back through the crimp and as many beads as possible


10. Squeeze the crimp flat with pliers and cut off the left-over tiger tail


11. Do all the strings in the same way.

If you are crazy about beading, you are definitely always looking for some beading ideas. Go to The Complete Bead Guide for all you need to know about beading.

The Ultimate How To Hemp Jewelry Guide - Hemp Jewelry It's Knot Hard

Hemp Jewelry It's Knot Hard

Jewelry making is a hit in today’s hobby and craft making circles. So many different type of materials lend themselves to the creativity of many jewelry makers. Newspaper, glass, beads, bones and more make some of the most exquisite pieces.

Hemp is another such material and this is a biggie for the industry that has been pushing the many benefits of this often misunderstood plant. Hemp Jewelry: It's Knot Hard is a book that shows you how take this versatile material and create natural-looking pieces of jewelry. The pieces are easy to make and spectacular to wear.

With this book you can make bracelets, necklaces or anklets and change the look by using colored hemp. With over 28 terrific jewelry designs to knot, bead and wear, this book is a must have for the crafty jewelry maker. It is a short book that is loaded with projects that you will love doing.

Natural living is fast becoming a fact of life and the more you know how to utilize what is there, the more you will be able to sustain. With Hemp Jewelry It's Knot Hard you can become a part of the revolution of natural living and make a living selling jewelry that is made from material that is non-toxic, natural, healing, and beautiful. Everyone is looking for ways to become a part of the eco-friendly craze and making and wearing jewelry made by nature is a good way to be green smart.

Give hemp jewelry making a try. Grab Hemp Jewelry: It's Knot Hard today!

You may also be interested in:

Hemp jewelry: It's knot hard : 28 terrific jewelry designs to knot, bead & wear

Hemp jewelry: It's knot hard : 28 terrific jewelry designs to knot, bead & wear

Sew Instructions - Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew

Sew Instructions - Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew

Sewing is becoming more popular than ever before. With the cost of living on the rise, many people are seeking to cut down on expenses by learning to sew. The Sew Fast Sew Easy book has been out since 2002, and the rave reviews by consumers have been consistent.

Priced very reasonably, you can purchase this book from Amazon.com.

Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew

This book features the following:

* Three ready-to-use patterns.

* Easy to follow instructions.

* Tips and techniques from a fashion industry insider.

* How to use your sewing machine to express your creative side.

* How to custom-fit commercial patterns

* Facts about the latest fabrics and ways to use them.

* Glossary of sewing terms for quick reference.

If you have never sewn a stitch but want to learn, this book explains everything with words and pictures. It is a wonderful book for beginners as it covers topics such as how to hold scissors properly to explaining fabric and grain, and giving the beginner a comfortable way to approach sewing.

While most of you may know how to sew, the Sew Fast Sew Easy book offers sewing techniques, terms, information on patterns and notions as well as how to use them. For some, it is considered the “bible” of sewing.

For those who have never used a pattern before, this book serves as a model for users of sewing machines. It explains, in depth, the steps to complete your project from beginning to end using the patterns included in the book. The sewing patterns alone are worth the price of the book.

Whether you are new to sewing or have been sewing for years, the Sew Fast Sew Easy book will enhance your experience and provide the tools and resources you need to become a pro at sewing.

Even the most seasoned expert has commented that this book holds information even they weren’t aware of until they purchased the book. Check it out!

For people who are in a hurry to start, there is an alternative available. You can buy an e-book that is instantly downloadable. The advantage is that you do not have to wait for it to come in the post. Have a look at: Sewing 101

Go from Beginner to Sewing Expert in No Time !

Valentines Craft - Ecards to Send and to Print

Ecards to Send and to Print

Once upon a time, we had to go to the store to buy greeting cards. We sometimes spent hours browsing the aisles, looking for a card that said just what we wanted to say. When we found the perfect card, we took it to the register and paid for it. Then we signed the card, addressed the envelope, put a stamp on it, and dropped it in the mail. Times have certainly changed.

Today when we need to send a greeting, we don't have to go any further than our computers. There are lots of websites that offer all sorts of beautiful greeting cards, and you can even send them via email. Some charge by the card, some have monthly subscription fees, and some are free, but they all make it quick and easy to send greetings to friends, family and business associates.

But those of us who prefer to send printed cards aren't left out in the cold. Many ecard sites give users the option to print their cards at home, or even have them professionally printed. So whether you feel that a printed card is more personal or you want to send a greeting to someone who doesn't have email, you can still take advantage of the convenience of creating cards online.

To Print or to Email?

Having a hard time deciding whether you should send an ecard via email or print and mail it? There are certain advantages to each method.

Emailing

1. Online ecards allow for multimedia use and interactivity. Most ecards are animated and include music. Some also feature games and other activities that the recipient can participate in.

2. eCards are environmentally friendly. No paper is used in their production, and that means less use of natural resources and less pollution.

3. Sending a card via email is less expensive and more convenient than sending a printed card. It's easy to find free ecards, and you don't have to spend money on postage to send them. And you don't have to make a trip to the post office. You can even send a single ecard to multiple recipients at no extra cost and with little extra effort.

Printing

1. A printed card may become a treasured keepsake. It could be preserved in a scrapbook or simply put away for later viewing. Printed cards have the potential to bring a smile to one's face months or years after they're first received.

2. Printed cards do not get apprehended by overzealous spam filters. You don't have to worry about the recipient not getting the card you sent because it didn't make it through to his email inbox.

3. If you're sending greetings for business purposes, a printed card is usually best. The recipient may hang onto it if he is interested in doing business with you later on. And even if he just displays it during the holidays and then disposes of it, someone else who could use your products or services might see it.

Sending the perfect greeting card has never been easier. Ecard providers offer lots of designs for every occasion. Whether you choose to email or print your cards, you can create something special for anyone you want to send a greeting to.

Valentines Craft Ideas - Making Your Own Valentine Cards

Valentines Craft Ideas - Making Your Own Valentine Cards

Valentine's Day is a time to show our partners how much we love them. It's a time of flowers, chocolates, and special dates. And last but not least, it's a time for Valentine cards.

Greeting card companies make lots of money in the weeks before Valentine's Day. After all, no one wants to be the one who neglected to give the love of their life a special greeting! But you don't have to buy the same cards everyone else is giving. Creating your own is so much more special.

You don't have to be a celebrated artist to make a great Valentine card. Even if you can't draw, paint or even cut out shapes, you can still create a memorable greeting for your love. Here are some ideas:

1. Use greeting card software to design a card and print it out on card stock. You could use a ready-made design and verse, but most programs will also allow you to create a card from scratch. You can include clip art, photos, and your own special message.

2. Are you a scrapbooker? Use your scrapping skills to create a beautiful Valentine. Find some pretty card stock, add photos and embellishments, and write a thoughtful message. You could use photos of you and your partner throughout the years, pictures from your honeymoon, or favorite candid snapshots.

3. Hearts made out of construction paper add a whimsical touch to a handmade Valentine card, and they're really easy to make. Just fold a piece of construction paper in half, draw half a heart with the center at the fold, cut out, and unfold. Glue the hearts onto paper doilies before adding to the card for an endearing look with very little effort.

4. Are you brimming with design ideas but unsure what words to use on the card? Quote a poem or some song lyrics. You might even want to include a CD single of the song or a recording of someone (perhaps you) reciting the poem.

5. Include some coupons. Not grocery or car wash coupons, but coupons that are good for favors and special nights out when presented to you. You could make coupons for backrubs, dinner and a movie on you, a trip to an event of your significant other's choosing, a walk in the park, and all sorts of other things.

Creating a special Valentine card for the one you love is a sweet and inexpensive way to let him or her know you care. Whether you simply add a special message to a pre-designed card made with greeting card software or break out the craft supplies and make something totally unique, the thought you put into it will make your Valentine feel truly special.

Creative Cards: 40 Projects for Handmade Invitations, Greeting Cards, Gift Wrap and More

People just love handcrafted gifts. There is something about them that just says that they are quality products made by caring hands. Even handmade cards and gift products are better than Hallmark any day of the week.

Creative Cards is a how-to guide to turning plain paper into personalized and unique gift cards, boxes, bags, tags, and wrapping paper. With this book you will learn how to transform plain paper into something special. It even shows you how to wrap a gift for a beautiful presentation.

You will learn all the basics, such as using a bone folder, embellishing edges, choosing the right adhesive, working with 3-D decorations, stamping, gilding, die-cutting, and folding, with lots of how-to photographs. So you can be making quality handmade gift giving products in no time.

Projects are suited to making a single card or large quantities, and are coded to indicate how long they may take to complete. Tip boxes offer handy pointers and there are ready-to-use templates at the back of the book plus a section on choosing and laying out text on a computer. Creative Cards takes you step-by-step through each project. There are even templates for a couple of the projects.

The step-by-step projects include:

1. Baby shower invitation
2. Birth announcement
3. Children's party invitation
4. Birthday card for a man
5. Wedding folder
6. 50th anniversary card
7. New home
8. Valentine
9. Halloween
10. Christmas card

For the occasional crafter or the experienced hobbyist, Creative Cards is loaded with expert advice and vibrant inspiration.

Tell the recipient of your gift that he's special. Use Creative Cards to help you make the gift really say what you feel