Archive for March, 2011

Useful yarn caddy from Lion Brand

Thursday, March 31st, 2011

If you love to knit and crochet like I do then you probably have yarn hanging out all over the house. That’s why this Lion Brand Pop-up Yarn Caddy is so helpful.

It not only serves as a good storage unit, but it’s also portable. It’s mesh sides make it easy to find what you’re looking for. So you can take it to a knitting circle or just move yourself and your supplies easily throughout the house.

If you already have a storage space for your yarn and just want something portable, this caddy folds up so that you can easily put it away when you’re not using it!

How handy!

073423 main Useful yarn caddy from Lion Brand

 

If you like this item, you might want to check these out too:
Knit Happy Sto N Go Project Box
Knit Happy Tote

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  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Useful yarn caddy from Lion Brand
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Useful yarn caddy from Lion Brand
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Useful yarn caddy from Lion Brand
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Useful yarn caddy from Lion Brand
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Useful yarn caddy from Lion Brand
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Useful yarn caddy from Lion Brand
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Useful yarn caddy from Lion Brand
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Useful yarn caddy from Lion Brand

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Around the Seasons Afghans

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011

I love afghans.  Not just like, but LOVE.  They’re so warm and cozy, and they also add a burst of decorative color to your living room or bedroom.  But even an afghan aficionado like me gets tired of looking at the same old blanket all the time.  When I told my friend about this, she had a great suggestion.  Why not change my afghans as the seasons change?

What a great idea!  I immediately started looking for afghan patterns for Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring.  When I came across Bernat’s Around the Seasons Afghans pattern book, I felt like I’d hit the jackpot.  This pattern book has something for every season and for every style.  And unlike other pattern books, Around the Seasons Afghans tells you exactly what yarn color to use so your afghan actualaround the seasons afghans Around the Seasons Afghansly ends up looking just like the one in the book.  If you want to find out more of what’s inside Around the Seasons Afghans, check out this review.

I can’t wait to start crocheting beautiful pastel afghans for Spring and rich, bold afghans for Fall!  And of course ones for Winter and Summer too!  There are so many great patterns in this book, you’ll want to make them all.  Just head on over to our store at CutRateCrafts.com to order your copy of Around the Seasons Afghans and have it shipped directly to you.  Once you have your book, you can get started right away with Spring patterns, or get a head start on Summer.

Just out of curiosity:  What season do you like crocheting for the most?

Looking for more seasonal afghan patterns?  Here are some of my personal favorites:

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400 Knitting Stitches

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

413104 main 400 Knitting StitchesWhat kind of knitter are you?

Are you a beginner who doesn’t know much about the craft? This book is for you. It starts off with a basic how-to section on knitting and includes overviews of the simplest, most common types of fabric you can make using the rudimentary knit and purl stitches. Maybe you’ve just learned to knit, and you’ve been flipping through patterns wondering “what is reverse stockinette stitch?” or “how do I make a seed stitch?” This reference book includes photos and instructions for each of its 400 stitch patterns, making it easy for novices to identify common stitches in both patterns and actual fabrics. Knitting instructors may also value this book as a teaching tool.

Are you an intermediate knitter who wants to expand your skills and repertoire? This book is for you. Try using this stitch dictionary to make a patchwork sampler. Intersperse textured fabrics with cables and squares of lace, and learn how to create intricate stitches like chain link cables, wisteria stitch, and alternating English rib. Afterwards, you can use your encyclopedic knowledge of stitches to impress your stitch n’ bitch group!

Are you an advanced knitter? This book is for you. Now is the time to break into the world of designing if you haven’t already!  Flip through this book for inspiration, and then feature some of your favorite stitches in a familiar type of project that you’ve made several times before. If you’re a sweater lover, try a complicated, interlocking cable stitches down the front and sleeves of your favorite sweater shape.  If you’re into shawls, pick a lace motif and craft an ethereal, drapey masterpiece. Whatever your designing passion, you’re sure to draw inspiration from this exhaustive book of ideas!

Are you a free-spirited knitter with a healthy disregard for patterns? This book is for you.  You know who you are. You’re the knitter that starts off with one pattern but adds a shawl collar here, extends a hem there, and improvises a lace panel right down the middle until you’ve created a new project altogether. Use this book when you hate the cable pattern a designer used, but you’re not sure what to substitute it with. Use this book when you find a ho-hum sweater with a fantastic shape and you want to add lace detailing. Use this book when you decide that the tote you’re making should be reversible, and you need to know how to make each stitch pattern backwards (yes, the book has that too!).

400 Knitting Stitches also caters to knitters with different learning styles.  With photos, charts, and written instructions for each stitch, every reader is sure to figure out how to make even the most complicated stitch patterns and learn to embellish their projects with style.

If you’re looking for similar reference guides that will give you a look at the most beautiful stitch patterns you can knit, check out these books:

Knit Edgings & Trims

Knit & Purl

Lace & Eyelets

Cables & Arans

101 Stitches to Knit

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  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px 400 Knitting Stitches
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px 400 Knitting Stitches
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px 400 Knitting Stitches
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px 400 Knitting Stitches
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px 400 Knitting Stitches
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px 400 Knitting Stitches
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FaveCraftsRadio’s plethora of project ideas for March

Monday, March 28th, 2011

If you haven’t listened to FaveCraftsRadio, then you don’t know how interesting it is to hear from experienced designers. They always have fun tips and tricks that I end up using at home and, not to mention, new easy craft ideas! If you want to check out all of the designers featured this month you can visit the radio’s site or check out FaveCraft’s blog. For now, here are some highlights!

First and foremost, FaveCraft’s blog is doing a giveaway! So you should definitely check out their page. I mean, who doesn’t like free stuff? If you leave a comment on their blog post you are entered to win one package of Lutradur Mixed Media Sheets and Ultra-Light Lutradur!

103229 main FaveCraftsRadios plethora of project ideas for March

Of course if you don’t win you can easily pick these up at CutRateCrafts.com.

Aside from this, Eileen Hull talks about her Everything Bag.

Everything Bag FaveCraftsRadios plethora of project ideas for March

I know, it’s adorable. If you want to know how to make it, you can check it out here. Anyway, this bag uses some fun materials:

This Spring Table Runner by Lisa Fulmer uses those same Lutradur mixed media sheets from the giveaway and Bo-nash fusible bonding agent. If this is something you want to do, you can easily get your supplies from CutRateCrafts.

FaveCraftsRadios plethora of project ideas for March

If you like what you see so far, check out FaveCraftsRadio. They have an upcoming show on April 6th! I know I’ll be listening.

 

 

FaveCrafts Radio is a monthly radio show hosted by Pat Sloan. Pat interviews your favorite craft experts and celebrities and they offer tips about and discuss some of their favorite projects on FaveCrafts.com. FaveCrafts Radio airs live on BlogTalkRadio on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month from 3 – 4:00 pm (ET) (2 pm Central, 1 pm Mountain, noon Pacific). Archived podcasts can be streamed directly from the website or downloaded for free through iTunes. Visit FaveCraftsRadio.com.

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  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px FaveCraftsRadios plethora of project ideas for March
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px FaveCraftsRadios plethora of project ideas for March
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px FaveCraftsRadios plethora of project ideas for March
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px FaveCraftsRadios plethora of project ideas for March
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px FaveCraftsRadios plethora of project ideas for March
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px FaveCraftsRadios plethora of project ideas for March
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px FaveCraftsRadios plethora of project ideas for March
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px FaveCraftsRadios plethora of project ideas for March
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All About Foam Stamps

Friday, March 25th, 2011

I’m all about foam stamps.  They’re really the perfect craft tool… so easy to use, and so versatile!  You can use them on pretty much any material, from paper to fabric… even wood.  I love using them to make personalized cards for my friends.  I have a friend who’s going on safari in Africa soon, and I’m going to use my animal foam stamps to make her a cute “Bon Voyage” card.  She’s going to love it.

One of the best things about crafting with foam stamps is that the options are endless.  462344 main All About Foam StampsThat’s also why I love the Magic Stamp Moldable Foam Stamps available at CutRateCrafts.com.  The kit comes with ten stamps in a variety of sizes and shapes that you can then mold into whatever design you want.  It’s really that easy!

For more foam stamp ideas, tips and tricks, head on over to our FaveCrafts blog and check out the video from resident craft expert Maria Nerius.  She’s all kinds of crafty!

If you want to put your new stamps and stamping knowledge to use, take a look at some of these interesting uses for foam stamps:

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  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px All About Foam Stamps
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px All About Foam Stamps
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px All About Foam Stamps
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px All About Foam Stamps
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Crocheter’s Companion

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

272983 main Crocheters CompanionThe Crocheter’s Companion from Interweave Press is more what I would call the crocheter’s best friend. The book starts off with an overview of the craft, outlining crochet hook sizing, yarns that are especially appropriate for crochet, and the basics of gauge.  This section makes the book especially applicable to new crocheters, who may find the world of crocheting a bit more complex than they had expected. Likewise, the second section of the book caters mostly to beginners, with tutorials on basic stitches and methods of crocheting.

The Companion gets a bit more exciting in the Advanced Stitches section, with how-to’s on embellishments like picot edging and popcorn stitch. Since the techniques in this chapter are not used in every project, they are easy to forget. Crocheters can use this section as a reference tool to brush up on a stitch before beginning a project that uses it frequently.

The Finishing Techniques and Decorative Finishings sections will be eye-opening for beginner and intermediate crocheters alike. These sections shed some light on both common and uncommon finishings, from simple seaming and blocking to tassels and zippers. The Motifs and Medallions chapter introduces crocheters to the concept of motifs as building blocks for a project and overviews some of the most common motifs. If you’re venturing into more complicated projects involving techniques like Irish crochet or beading, the More Ways to Crochet section is for you.

What sets this book apart from other crochet references is its small size and its spiral binding, which allows it to lie flat no matter which page it’s open to.

For more crocheting reference guides and how-to’s like the Crocheter’s Companion, check out these resources:

Crochet Made Easy CD-ROM

Crochet Stitches in Motion DVD

I Can’t Believe I’m Crocheting DVD

Teach Yourself to Crochet Pocket Guide

 

 

 

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  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Crocheters Companion
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Crocheters Companion
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Crocheters Companion
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Crocheters Companion
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Crocheters Companion
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Quilted Bags with Style

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

I keep seeing these adorable quilted bags around and thinking that I have a ton of scrap fabrics lying around. Why don’t I just make my own? Well, with Ellen Kharade’s book I have all the styles and patterns I could ever want to start making my own bags!

She was really crafty and helpful by putting in patterns for all skill levels, so if you’re new to sewing don’t be scared! You can easily be making your own bags too! It’s a really good tool to have if you have a ton of scrap fabric lying around that you don’t know what to do with or if you’ve always wanted to to try making different kinds of bags. Check out this review on AllFreeSewing.com. It tells you everything you need to know. And the best thing is you don’t even have to run out and find it, it’s available on CutRateCrafts.com and can easily be shipped right to you! I know I love getting things in the mail.

 

465956 main Quilted Bags with Style

If you’re looking for more books on bag sewing take a look here:
Simply Irresistible Bags
Free-Style Handmade Bags and Skirts

 

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  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Quilted Bags with Style
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Quilted Bags with Style
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Quilted Bags with Style
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Quilted Bags with Style
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Quilted Bags with Style
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Quilted Bags with Style
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Get Organized: The Ultimate Crochet Hook Case

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011

It happens to the best of us.  You’re crocheting something and you need to find your 5 mm hook but it’s hiding somewhere in the bottom of your yarn bag.  Ten minutes later your living room is strewn with all of your crochet supplies, a ball of yarn by the recliner, some crochet thread under the coffee table, and all of your hooks scattered across the floor.  All this mess and all you wanted was that pesky 5 mm hook!  Don’t worry: we’ve been there too.

Then we found out about this awesome Crystalites Crochet Hook Case, and we wondered how we ever did without it.

073857 main Get Organized: The Ultimate Crochet Hook CaseWe love how the case is clear so you can easily spot what you’re searching for, plus it comes with a set of nine color-coded hooks which makes it even easier to grab the size you need without squinting to read some ridiculously small printed number.

And the case isn’t just practical… it’s cute too!  With its pink reinforced cloth edges and purse-like design, it’s definitely something we’d bring with us for some crafting on the go.  It’s hard to believe we ever got along without this awesomely organized crochet hook case.

You can avoid another living room disaster simply by heading over to our store at CutRateCrafts.com and getting your own Crystalites Crochet Hook Case for 15% off the normal list price.  Go now… you can thank us later!

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  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Get Organized: The Ultimate Crochet Hook Case
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Get Organized: The Ultimate Crochet Hook Case
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Get Organized: The Ultimate Crochet Hook Case
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Get Organized: The Ultimate Crochet Hook Case
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Get Organized: The Ultimate Crochet Hook Case
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Get Organized: The Ultimate Crochet Hook Case
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Crocheted Afghans 25 throws, wraps, and blankets to crochet

Monday, March 21st, 2011

Looking for crochet inspiration? After just glancing through this book you’ll want to get out your yarn and hooks and start creating something beautiful. Crocheted Afghans is your go-to book to learn how to make amazing blankets and throws. This helpful video book review will help explain why this book is a must have.

 

Visit AllFreeCrochet.com for the full book review.

CRC Buy it Button Crocheted Afghans 25 throws, wraps, and blankets to crochet

Find other helpful crochet afghan books on CutRateCrafts.com:
A Year of Baby Afghans
Afghans for All Seasons
Homespun Afghans

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  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Crocheted Afghans 25 throws, wraps, and blankets to crochet
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Crocheted Afghans 25 throws, wraps, and blankets to crochet
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Crocheted Afghans 25 throws, wraps, and blankets to crochet
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Crocheted Afghans 25 throws, wraps, and blankets to crochet
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Crocheted Afghans 25 throws, wraps, and blankets to crochet
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Crocheted Afghans 25 throws, wraps, and blankets to crochet
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Crocheted Afghans 25 throws, wraps, and blankets to crochet
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Crocheted Afghans 25 throws, wraps, and blankets to crochet
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Crocheted Afghans 25 throws, wraps, and blankets to crochet

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Easy Errands Bag From Lily Sugar’n Cream

Monday, March 21st, 2011

If you’ve ever been out running errands without the proper bag, you know how big of a pain it can be. Well, here’s the solution. Put your crochet skills to good use and create this cute Easy Errands Bag. It’s the perfect size for carrying around necessary belongings. Just grab this bag and you’re out the door.

The Easy Errands Bag was voted one of the most popular projects on FaveCrafts.com last month and we’re not surprised. It’s fun to make because instead of switching yarn balls you can use self-striping yarn (which makes your job a lot easier!) And speaking of easy, don’t worry about running out of the house to find the yarn you need; CutRateCrafts.com sells this special Lily Sugar’n Cream yarn. You can purchase it online and have it delivered to your door.

We know you’re out of excuses as to why you can’t make this great project. Check it out today!

Crochet Errands Bag Easy Errands Bag From Lily Sugarn Cream

Materials:

 

For full project instructions, see the Easy Errands Bag on FaveCrafts.com

To find more yarn and crochet hooks, visit the knit and crochet store on CutRateCrafts.com

 

More Crochet Bag Patterns:

Crocheted Produce Bag
Reusable Crocheted Grocery Bag

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  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Easy Errands Bag From Lily Sugarn Cream
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Easy Errands Bag From Lily Sugarn Cream
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Easy Errands Bag From Lily Sugarn Cream
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Easy Errands Bag From Lily Sugarn Cream
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Easy Errands Bag From Lily Sugarn Cream
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Easy Errands Bag From Lily Sugarn Cream
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Easy Errands Bag From Lily Sugarn Cream
  • wp socializer sprite mask 16px Easy Errands Bag From Lily Sugarn Cream

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