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Knitting

I-Cord Cast On for Knitting

An i-cord cast on is a great way to create a nice, firm edge on a knitting project. We’ve previously covered how to add an i-cord edge as a bind off, but it can be convenient to start your project with an i-cord as well.    Start off by casting on 3 stitches in your […]

Diamond Lace Knitting Stitch

Diamond lace stitch is a stylish, complex openwork knit that’s ideal for lightweight summer projects, of for making a cozy sweater from wool that would definitely be way too warm without some airiness. The pattern only uses yarn overs, knit two togethers, and slip slip knits, but the long repeat can be a lot to […]

Moss Rib Knitting Stitch

Moss Rib stitch is a chic, sophisticated knitting stitch that’s incredibly simple to work and memorize. Since it’s made only with knit and purl stitches, it would be a good one to tackle if you’re just starting on pattern stitches, or a nice choice for a project that you want to work quickly without having […]

Openwork Rib Knit

This openwork rib knit stitch has a nice twisted motif down the centers of the knit part of the rib, and eyelets along the edges of the purl part of the rib. It doesn’t have a lot of elasticity, but it does lay very flat, so it can be used to keep edges from curling.

Lozenge Stitch, Diamond Stitch, or Diamond Lace Stitch Knitting

This stylish knitting stitch creates a classic, beautiful look. I’ve found this or similar patterns labeled as lozenge stitch, diamond stitch, diamond lace stitch, and lozenge lace stitch in various old knitting books.   Pattern: Multiple of 10 + 2 1) k1, *yo, sl1, k1, psso, k5, k2 tog, yo, k1,* k1 2 and all […]

Openwork Slip Stitch Knitting Stitch

Here’s another chic summery knit pattern – openwork slip stitch. It uses a clever method for making those nice long looped stitches, and it creates a pleasant, rhythmic pattern over a large area. If you’re not sure about all the stitches involved, scroll down for photos of how I made this swatch.

Tile Knitting Stitch

Tile knitting stitch is a beautiful mesh style stitch to add to your knitting pattern list. It’s moderately open, which makes it ideal for summery coverups, or warm winter sweaters that you don’t want to be too warm. And the best thing about it is that it doesn’t have a strong diagonal pull, like so […]

Lattice, Lozenge, or Diamond Knitting Stitch

Lattice, Lozenge, or Diamond Knitting Stitch

This classic stitch, known as all kinds of things including “Lattice Stitch,” “Lozenge Stitch,” and “Diamond Stitch” is an easy way to add a chic texture to whatever you’re knitting. It doesn’t seem to affect the gauge significantly so it may be something you can add to a pattern you already have, but always swatch […]

Sewing

sewing sheer fabric

Sewing Darts in Sheer Fabric

Many very pretty fabrics are light weight or sheer. Sewing darts in sheer fabric requires a few easy but specific techniques to ensure the sheer fabrics look great on the finished garment. The following project shows you how to sew beautiful darts with sheer fabric and lining but the technique can easily be carried over […]

tailoring lace after

Tailoring Lace Shorts

Tailoring lace can be tricky to get right. Lace garments are so pretty that it is worth the effort to get the perfect fit. With a few simple sewing tools you can adjust lace leaving almost no trace.

Leather Pencil Case

Leather Pencil Case

A leather pencil case is something that will last many, many years.  It is durable, secure, and can be made from scraps of leather left over from previous projects. This type of bag can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes to hold anything you like including craft supplies and art supplies.

how to sew a button

How to Sew a Sew-Through Button

How to sew a button well is a useful skill to have whether you sew or not. You never know when a button may fall off a garment or when you may want to refresh a garment with unique buttons.  A couple quick tips will ensure the button works well and holds up over time.

how to sew darts

How to Sew Darts

Sewing darts into a woven fabric is a great way to add shaping and fit to a garment.  They can flatter and shape and are easy to sew well if you know how.

wool and leather clutch

Minimalist Wool and Leather Clutch

You can never own too many small handbags. A clutch handbag that is big enough to carry your cell phone, keys, and wallet is always going to be a useful object to own. This wool and leather clutch is very durable and will last forever. There are pockets inside the bag to organize the things […]

Camera Strap – Cut and Sew

Having a custom camera strap made from the colors and fabrics that match your personal style is a great addition to your wardrobe and it keeps your camera at close reach. **Disclaimer** This camera strap is made from leather.  Leather is strong and durable. However, if your camera lenses are very heavy or the camera […]

Two in One Bag

Having 2 bags that work together or separate can be incredibly handy for quick changes from day to evening.  When getting ready to go out for the evening or on a quick trip save yourself the time of transferring your wallet, phone, and other small necessities into a small bag when you can simply attach […]

Tote Bag Bottom

Having a good tote bag with a sturdy bottom is endlessly useful for weekend get-aways, trips to the beach, carrying groceries home, or carrying a blanket and snacks to the park for a picnic.  Sometimes the bottom of your tote bag wears out, breaks, or weakens when it gets wet. Maybe a great bag doesn’t […]

Fold In Half Wallet Cut + Sew

I walked you through how to pattern this fold in half leather wallet.  In this post I will show you how to assemble this leather wallet so you can apply the technique to any leather wallet you might design. If making a pattern from scratch isn’t your thing yet, you can download the pattern to […]

Jewelry Making

Starry Charm Necklace

A really pretty trend happening now is layered charm necklaces. They’re a great way to mix an eclectic group of chains and charms into a dramatic wearable piece. In this charm necklace I’ve used two different styles of chain and a variety of gold and silver vintage style star and moon charms. Having all of […]

Openwork Macrame Bracelet

A lot of macrame projects look heavy – made with thick yarns and dense knotting patterns. Macrame can also be used to create light and lacy looks, like in this bracelet. This openwork macrame style is delicate, pretty, and faster to knot than a more dense pattern would be.   Decide how long you’d like […]

Macrame Tassel Earrings

I’m still on my dramatic earring kick, and these macrame tassel earrings certainly fit the bill. You could definitely make them a little more wearable by cutting the tassel strands shorter, or go all out like I did, and leave them shoulder-brushing length. Then they’re the perfect way to make a statement with a simple […]

Colorblock Macrame and Chain Bracelet

I’m always looking for new ways to make macrame easy to wear. In this case, I made use of chain to create a cute bracelet with a little bit of a vintage vibe to it. A colorblocked bracelet is ideal for casual looks.   Cut 5 strands of black and 5 strands of ivory that […]

Curved Diamond Beaded Earrings

Working peyote stitch with 2 sizes of beads is the trick to creating the soft, curving shape of these earrings. I chose to use the same color of bead for the entire piece to focus on the form, but using two different colors would create a great colorblocked effect. These beaded earrings work up quickly, […]

Striped Beaded Pendant

After finishing up my striped hoops, I decided to make a coordinated necklace, mostly because I liked the combination of seed beads so much. In this brick stitch necklace I added some crystal beads for texture variety, and I think the effect is well worth the extra effort. If you’ve never tried brick stitch it […]

Striped Hoop Earrings

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that adding brick stitch to hoops is great? It looks so cool, and the method is so much fun. Striped hoop earrings look like a good time, and they would be a great way to use up some leftover beads from other projects. If you’ve never […]

Lattice Beaded Bead

This isn’t the first beaded bead I’ve shared here, and I really doubt it will be the last. I love the idea of making large jewelry elements from small components, mostly because there are so many pretty bead combinations that you can make with modern supplies. In this case, I’m using glass pearls in teal […]

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