How to Make Eco Print Scarves

Are you looking to make a new fashionable craft project? Are you interested in eco-friendly crafts and fashion? If so, you have got to check out this guest article/post below. You can find this project and many others in the brand new book called "A Garden to Dye For" from the talented author/artist Chris McLaughlin. I would also like to invite you to visit the author's blog A Suburban Farmer.

How to Make Eco Print Scarves

Eco-Print Scarf

Oh, how I love making eco-patterns on playsilks and scarves. Silk takes color like crazy and the natural materials used in the patterns are easy to see. There are as many ways to eco-print as there are crafters in the world. Per my usual MO, I use a simple (yet satisfying) technique.

What you’ll need:

• 100% silk scarf or playsilk, any size (I get mine from Dharma Trading Company) pre-wetted
• White vinegar
• Small bowl with some white vinegar
• Non-reactive pot
• Rubber bands
• Plant materials such as eucalyptus, dark rose petals, onion skins, etc. (I favor the silver dollar leaf type of eucalyptus, but use whatever type you can get)
• Extra eucalyptus leaves (Two large handfuls)

1. Fill the pot about halfway up with water and two big handfuls of eucalyptus leaves. Turn the heat on medium and once it's simmering turn the heat down a bit so that it's a strong simmer or a gentle rolling boil.

2. Take your pre-wetted silk scarf or playsilk and lay it flat on your dye station table.

3. Dip eucalyptus leaves into the bowl of white vinegar (just some color assurance here) and place them all over the silk in whatever way pleases you.

4. Now, place the onion skins, rose petals, or whatever plant materials you have onto the silk.

5. Fold the silk in half and repeat with the eucalyptus leaves and other materials.

6. Start from the bottom and begin rolling the scarf or playsilk up until you reach the end. Roll carefully to keep your plant materials inside.

7. Using the rubber bands, secure the sides several times to create a bundle. Turn the bundle sideways and add more rubber bands going the opposite direction.

8. Add about 1/2 to 3/4 cup vinegar to the pot.

9. Add the bundled silk to the pot on the stove. Let it simmer hard or gentle boil for about two hours.

10. Using tongs, remove the bundle from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes.
Clip the rubber bands off of the bundle and add the used plant materials to your compost pile. Rinse the silk off in cool water and hang up to dry.

A variation of this is to use something like a piece of PVC pipe or other sturdy item to wrap the silk around. Then add the rubber bands to secure the silk lengthwise onto the pipe or other core item. Try every variation that you can think of for some beautiful and original eco patterns.

Book Information: From author, Chris McLaughlin, and her soon-to-be published book

Chris McLaughlin is the author of A Garden to Dye For: How to Use Plants from the Garden to Create Natural Colors for Fabrics & Fibers and the wildly popular blog A Suburban Farmer.

Home-grown botanical dyes are in, and they're part of today's shift toward natural and organic living. "A new generation discovers grow-it-yourself dyes," says the New York Times. And you don't have to have a degree in chemistry to create your own natural dyes. It just takes a garden plot and a kitchen.

Chris has written wonderful instructions on how-to create beautiful naturally dyed scarves with flowers from your garden such as eucalyptus, dark rose petals, onion skins and more. You can purchase this book on Amazon.com.

Disclosure: I was NOT compensated for this post and I am NOT an affiliate. I am just sharing the information with my craft blog readers as a courtesy. The project, book and photos are copyright of the author featured above.

How to Make a Tutu :: Quick and Easy Instructions

How to Make a Tutu
By Mariana Patrick

I've always dreamed of having daughters and doing crafts with them. I grew up with crafts all around me and I knew it was something I wanted for my daughters. I knew I wanted to create a lifelong bond with them and what better way to do that by coming up with an activity they'll always remember doing with their mommy. I never thought it would be to make tutus. Now that my oldest daughter is 6, I'm beginning to teach her the basics of making a tutu.

I was having trouble thinking of a birthday theme for her and she came up to me and said to have a tutu making party! Why didn't I think of that? It's the perfect theme and the perfect activity because the girls will learn a new skill and have a party favor to take home!

PREPLAN:

Cost of Roll/spool: $2-$3 (you'll need 2, maybe 3).

Precut elastic and sew ends together for waistband or use an elastic headband instead of sewing.

Precut the tulle strips days before the party. To save time, lay a cutting mat down and roll out at least three rolls evenly on top of each other. Start at the 0" mark on the mat and measure out the strip length. Let's say you want the tutu to be 10" long... cut about 22" to compensate for the knot you will be tying. Place a quilters lip edge ruler where you will be making your cut. Carefully roll your rotary cutter over the tulle fabric using the ruler's edge as a guide to make sure you have a straight cut. You will need to cut about three to four strips of tulle for each inch of waistband.

FOR THE PARTY and for each guest making a tutu:

Step 1: Slip your elastic waistband around a paper towel roll that will hold the elastic in place. If the elastic fits loosely around the paper towel roll, use sewing pins to cinch up the elastic until it fits snug.

Step 2: Have the girls fold a strip in half and bring it behind the elastic waistband to form a loop.

Step 3: Bring the ends of the tulle strip up and through the loop and pull the ends down to tighten. Make sure they don't pull it too tight as it can overstretch the waistband.

Step 4: Continue tying slipknots or show them how to tie regular double knots around the entire waistband. They will probably use about 60 strips of tulle. Try to tie at least 3 knots per inch of your waistband measurement.

Step 5: The fun part!!! Embellish. Supply them with tons of embellishments... Glue or pin flowers an tie ribbon around the waistband. And there you have a finished tutu and a successful birthday activity!

Learn everything you need to know to make beautiful boutique quality tutus including 10 different variations in my complete step-by-step instructional course. You will not find a better or more affordable course on the Internet for how to make a tutu. I've been selling my guides since 2007 and have thousands of satisfied customers who have taken the skills learned from my ebooks and started their own successful tutu boutiques! ~ Mariana Patrick

Free Crochet Waffle Stitch Scarf Pattern

I love to sit and crochet, its a great way to unwind in the evenings after a busy day. Last week I took the time to crochet my teenage niece a scarf that she had been wanting for when fall rolls around. I decided to make hers using multi-colored yarn and with the waffle stitch.

To Make the Scarf:

Size G or H Crochet Hook
1 roll (3 1/2 oz. 4-ply acrylic yarn)
Scissors

If you are not familiar with how to do a waffle stitch, here are the instructions:

Crochet Waffle Stitch

You will make a foundation row which contains a multiple of 4 chains plus 1. For my scarf, I chained 21. (4x5 is 20...plus 1)

Row 1: You will want to DC (double crochet) in the 4th chain from your hook and in each chain across. Chain 1 and then turn.

Row 2: Picking up the front loop only of each stitch, SC (single crochet) in first 3 DC, *chain 1, skip next stitch, SC in next 3 DC. Repeat from the * across, ending with chain 1, skip next stitch, SC in last 2 DC and in top of turning chain. A ridge has been made on the right side. Chain 3 and turn.

Row 3: Now you will want to work through both loops of each stitch, skip first SC, DC in next 2 SC, * make a tr (treble stitch) around the bar of the free stitch directly below next chain-1 space; skip the chain-1 space, DC in next 3 SC. Repeat from * across. Chain 1, turn.

You will want to repeat row 2 and row 3 for however long that you would like your scarf to be. Once done, fasten off and weave in your ends.

Finishing: I chose to add some fringe to each short end of my scarf, however, you don't have to add the fringe if you don't want it. One roll of yarn (3 1/2 ounce roll) is enough to make a 4 3/4" wide by 54" long scarf...not including the 4" long fringe.

Here is a better shot of what a waffle stitch looks like on the scarf.



Happy Crocheting!

Kids Arts and Crafts Apron Made with Simply Spray Fabric Paints

I was recently sent some fabulous fabric paints by a company called Simply Spray. I wrote up a product review for them which you can read ---> HERE

One of the projects I decided to make using the Simply Spray Fabric Paints was a childs arts & crafts apron. My niece loves to do arts & crafts and needed an apron to protect her clothing so I decided to make one for her.

I went out to my local craft store and purchased a 100% cotton canvas childs size apron in a natural color along with an iron-on decal of a cute elephant. Once home, I washed and dried the apron to remove sizing. I then used the pink Simply Spray Fabric Paint and lightly sprayed it onto the front of the apron. I left that dry for 20 minutes and then sprayed on the purple. My niece loves those 2 colors so that is why I picked those. Once it was dry, I decided to iron-on the elephant decal to the front.



I gave the apron to my niece 2 days ago and she just loved it. This was a super easy project to do and took me less than 2 hours (allowing for drying time).

You can find the tie-dye T-shirt project that I made using these fabric paints by going ---> HERE

I would like to thank the generous folks over at Simply Spray for sending me the fabric paints! I have several more projects I will be making during the next couple of weeks and will be blogging those too!

Product Review - Simply Spray Fabric Paints Tie Dye Tshirt

A few months ago I was contacted by the folks over at Simply Spray Fabric Paints to see if I would be interested in reviewing their fantastic fabric paints and being the avid crafter that I am, I said yes!

They sent me numerous Simply Spray Fabric Paints to try out with some of my crafting projects. The first thing I decided to make was a tie-dye T-shirt for my nephew C who is really into tie-dye items.

First off let me say...I have never used this product until now and boy oh boy, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy these fabric paints are to use. You simple shake them up and then remove the protective tab and then lightly spray your fabric items. I love that the colors are so vibrant!

I went to my local craft store and bought a childs 100% cotton T-shirt that was originally white. We laid down some newspaper outside on our deck and then C scrunched up the shirt and we simply sprayed on our first color. Since it is summertime, it only took about 10 minutes to dry. Once dry, we rearranged the t-shirt again (by scrunching it up) and sprayed on our next color. We did several colors and C picked them out. Once the T-shirt was completely dry we waited 3 days and then I ironed on a decal onto the front which depicts a fisherman. (C loves to go fishing so that is the one he picked out).


As you can see...this is so much easier than dying fabrics in your washing machine. Now that I have tried Simply Spray Fabric Paints, trust me, I will be using them for additional craft projects and will be posting them here on my blog.

I highly recommend these products to you as they are very easy to use and older children can certainly use them! Head on over to the Simply Spray Web Site and check out their gallery of all of the cool craft project ideas!

You can find the apron that I made using these paints ---> HERE

Shelly

***NOTE*** I have not received any compensation for this product review. I was sent FREE products to try out and to use in a real craft setting. My personal opinion is honest and unbiased and your opinion of this product might differ from my own

Free and Easy Crochet Child's Scarf Pattern

It is never too early to start working on holiday presents and my niece wants a scarf! So, I decided to get busy and make her one. This is a pattern I came up with myself and once your scarf is completed, it will measure approximately 72" long by 4" wide which makes it the perfect size for a soon to be 4 year old.

I made this scarf by crocheting it using a shell stitch pattern which I will explain below. It only took me a few hours to complete so it works up quickly.

Supplies Needed:

2 Different Colors of Yarn (I used black and turquoise)
Crochet Hook size F
Scissors
Sewing Needle to weave in the ends

Using my size F crochet hook, I chained 307 stitches which makes up the length of your scarf. I used black yarn for this and the following 2 rows.

How To Make A Shell Stitch: Shell stitches are made up when a foundation chain is in a multiple of 6 stitches plus 1, hence my chain row of 307 stitches. To begin a row of shell stitches, thread over and insert your crochet hook in 4th chain from your hook. Complete a double crochet (DC) and make another DC in this stitch. This makes a half shell, the very first step in a shell stitch row.

The correct order for a shell stitch row is as follows:

Beginning Row: Half shell (the turning chain and 2 DC in 4th stitch from hook).

Repeat as often as you wish: Skin the next 2 stitches, 1 single crochet (SC) in next stitch, skip the next 2 stitches, 1 shell stitch (5 DC in next stitch).

End of Row: Skip next 2 stitches, 1 SC in next stitch, to turn, chain 3.

Directions for Foundation Chain and Row 1: Chain 307 stitch and turn by DC in the 4th stitch from your hook along with 1 more DC in the same stitch. Skip the next 2 stitches and SC in the next. Repeat the shell stitch across for row 1 using black yarn. When you get to the end of the row, your last stitch should be a SC, chain 3 and turn.

Row 2: Still using black yarn, do the shell pattern across, ending with a SC.

Row 3: I switched to the Turquoise colored yarn and did the shell stitch across.

Rows 4 and 5: Using black yarn, do the shell stitch for both of these rows.

Row 6: repeat row 3 using the turquoise colored yarn.

Rows 7 and 8: Repeat rows 4 & 5 using your black yarn. Fasten Off and Weave in all ends.

Fringe: I cut 4" lengths of black and turquoise yarn and looped them into my ends to make the fringe. You can make this fringe full and lush by doubling up your yarns.

This scarf is machine wash/dry if you use acrylic yarn like I did and the perfect size for older toddlers. You can find more FREE crochet patterns my checking out my crochet category here on my blog.

How To Crochet A Beautiful Beanie Style Cap By Christa Jensen

Today I am featuring another guest blogger craft/crochet project by designer Christa Jensen who was gracious enough to share her crochet beanie cap pattern with us today. I think its totally adorable! Thank You Christa!

Beanie Cap With Style

Worsted Weight Yarn
J Hook or Size to Obtain Gauge

Gauge: 3in x3in = 7 rows x 5 dc st

NOTES: You will be crocheting in the openings of chain 2 stitches not in the tops of the stitches.

Repeat from * to * to last stitch. Sl St always to the top of the beginning chain 2. Also you can change color to make this multi color. I did this on row 10 and again on row 14.

Begin: Chain 4, sl st together to form a loop

Row 1: 8 dc in ring, sl st together, chain 2 (counts as dc here and through out)

Row 2: Chain 2, *dc in next opening, chain 2, 2 dc in each opening (chain 2 between ea. dc)* dc in last opening, sl st together, chain 2

Row 3: Chain 2, *dc in next opening, chain 2, 2 dc in each opening (chain 2 between ea. dc) * dc in last opening, sl st together, chain 2

Row 4: Chain 2, dc in next 2 openings (chain 2 between ea. dc) *2 dc in next opening, 1 dc in next * ending with 1 dc in last opening from the round sl st together, chain 2

Row 5 thru 10: chain 2, * dc in openings (chain 2 between ea. dc) to end* sl st together, chain 2

Row 11: chain 2, skip first opening, dc in next opening, * dc in openings (chain 2 between ea. dc) to next to last opening* skip last opening, sl st together, chain 2

Row 12: chain 2, *dc in openings (chain 2 between ea. dc)* sl st together, chain 2

Row 13: chain 2, skip first opening, dc in next opening, * dc in openings (chain 2 between ea. dc) to next to last opening* skip last opening, sl st together, chain 2

Row 14: chain 2, *dc in openings (chain 2 between ea. dc)* sl st together, chain 2

Row 13: chain 2, skip first opening, dc in next opening, * dc in openings (chain 2 between ea. dc) to next to last opening* skip last opening, sl st together, fasten off

This pattern is copy written by Christa K. Jensen aka Chrissy Jensen and Quirky Crafter. You may not distribute this directly in any way electronically or print other than for your personal use of the pattern itself, but can link to this pattern to share. You can by no means sell this pattern what so ever or use it in a collection to sell what so ever!!

This is an original design by Christa Jensen.IF you find any errors until then please contact me.You may share this as long as the byline stays intact. See my site Quirky Crafter for information about selling derivative works.


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.

Crochet Project - Brimmed Ear Warmers By Christa Jensen

Wow...what a great crafty guest blogger post for this week. If you love to crochet, I think you will absolutely fall in love with this project by guest blogger Christa Jensen. Thank you Christa for sharing your wonderful project with us!

Here is what you will need:

Worsted Weight Yarn
J Hook or Size to Obtain Gauge

Gauge: 3 to 3 ½ inches width. To gauge the circumference of the head use a scrap piece of yarn to measure around the largest part of the head. Decrease final measure by a half inch for the snug fit.

NOTE: You will chain the amount that equals the length of yarn, sl st together (make sure not to twist the chain)

1st Row: Ch 2, hd in same st, *hd in ea ch* sl st to top of begin hd (not top of chain 2)

2nd – 6th Row: Repeat 1st Row

Fasten off.

Edging Top: Fasten onto chain row, chain 1 single crochet in same st, *single in next st* sl st to beginning sc. (repeat one more time.)

Edging Bottom with Brim: Fasten on bottom (where you finished off hdc rows) chain 1 single crochet in same st, *single in next st* sl st to beginning, fasten off

For Brim- Row 1: Fasten on (where you finished off), ch 1, sc in same st, hdc in next, 2dc in next, *1 dc in next st, 2 dc in next st* repeat ** 5 times, hdc in next st, sc in next st, fasten off.

For Brim- Row 2: Fasten on (where you finished off), ch 1 sc in same st, sc around to start of brim, sc in first st of brim, hdc in next st, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st* repeat ** 8 more times, hdc in next st, sc in next and around. Fasten off.

Weave in all ends.

This is an original design by Christa Jensen. This is written from memory of a custom ear warmer I came up with for a Christmas present; it has not been tested yet for accuracy. It will be updated should it need to be as I have orders coming for 2 more. IF you find any errors until then please contact me.This pattern is free to use for personal projects only. You can not distrubute the works except by linking it with this byline. You may not sell items made from this pattern.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Crochet Beautiful Curly Q Scarf Pattern

Today's project is from my guest blogger friend Chris who made this beautiful crochet scarf for us this week. I really love the unique look to the scarf and I think it would make a very stylish winter accessory or a great gift for someone on your holiday list.

Here are her instructions.

Curly Q Scarf

pattern courtesy of Patons http://patonyarns.com

Ch 145 loosely

1st row: in 5th ch from hook, 1dc and 1ch 5 times. 1dc and 1 ch in each ch to the end, omitting last ch at end of row. Turn

2nd row: ch 3. 1dc and 1 ch in each st to end of row. Fasten off

Tips from Chris: If you are using a thick yarn, you may not need the 2nd row. I also added 15 ch to the foundation row and started in the 2nd ch from hook.

Thank you Chris for your guest blogger post and project this week!

FREE Knitting Pattern - Child's Knit Striped Scarf Pattern

Today is another great guest blogger post by my friend Sharon who is giving us the instructions on how to make a simple knitted scarf that is child-size. This would be a great project for a beginner to try making. You can also see her crochet scarf pattern by visiting the crochet category here on my blog.

Striped Knit Scarf Pattern

This was done as a childs scarf. I used a 5.5 MM knitting needle.

Cast on 15 stitches. Knit each row, until you feel it is long enough. Cast off.

I used a crochet hook to make the fringe. To keep them even I wrapped the yarn around something, and cut it off. Poke crochet hook through hole like you are making a slip knot. Wrap yarn around and pull through. Repeat. I used 2 strands for each. Trim to the same length when done.

Sharon Katzman is a Manager with Gold Canyon Candles. Through her business, she is able to help women to make an income and feel empowered.

Crochet - Blue Striped Scarf Pattern and Instructions

Today I am featuring a guest blogger pattern from my friend Sharon who made this beautiful crocheted scarf! I just love the fringe she put on this scarf. Here are her instructions for making your own crochet scarf.

Blue Multi-Color Scarf

This was modified from another pattern I found at About.Com - I just made it a simple way.

I use a size 5 crochet hook. Chain 250 stitches. Create row one all in double stitch. Change color, double stitch. Repeat until scarf is wide enough.

Because you are crocheting this lengthwise instead of width wise, you don’t have to tuck in the ends of yarn when you are done. If you add fringe as I did, the ends just blend in.

I used a crochet hook to make the fringe. To keep them even I wrapped the yarn around something, and cut it off. Poke crochet hook through hole like you are making a slip knot. Wrap yarn around and pull through. Repeat. I used 2 strands for each. Trim to the same length when done.

Sharon Katzman is a Manager with Gold Canyon Candles. Through her business, she is able to help women to make an income and feel empowered.

Free Fabric Headband Pattern From Island Girl Bags

If you are looking for a fast and easy pattern so that you can make your very own sassy and fashionable headband, you need to check out this free pattern from my very good friend Marybeth.

You can find the downloadable pattern and read the interview that reporter Jeff Haywood did on Marybeth ---> HERE Marybeth is one talented lady with a sewing machine!

If you don't have time to make your own fabric headband, you can head on over to Marybeth's Etsy Shop ---> HERE to purchase one. She makes beautiful one-of-a-kind handbags, purses, key fobs and hair accessories.

I personally own a few of her headbands and just love wearing them.

~ Shelly ~

Sewing Project - Free Travel Tissue Holder Pattern

A few weeks ago I was looking online for some free sewing patterns that would use up some of my fabric scraps from my fabric stash basket. (fabric left-over from other projects). I came across this free pattern to make a tissue pack cover (travel size or purse pack size) on the Craft and Fabric Links Site ---> HERE

You can print out the pattern and it's really easy to use and understand. I have been making up a slew of these and will be tucking them into our stockings this year for the holidays.

I was easily able to sew one of them up using her pattern and instructions in less than 20 minutes. A great way to use up some of your fabric scraps.

How To Make A No-Sew Fleece Scarf

My daughter and I just love the soft and cozy feeling of a fleece scarf up around our necks during a cold winter day, so we decided to make our own.

We went to our local fabric store and were amazed at all of the lovely colors and prints that fleece fabric comes in these days. For our project, we chose anti-pill fleece so that we wouldn't have to worry about it pilling up with washing and drying.

The instructions for this project are for an adult-sized scarf, but you can easily shorten the length and width to make one for a child.

No-Sew Fleece Scarf Patten

Supplies Needed

1 yard of soft anti-pill fleece fabric
straight pins
scissors
measuring tape
(optional) quilting rotary cutter and cutting mat

Note: It is a lot easier to cut your fleece if you use a rotary cutter and cutting mat, however...you can also use a measuring tape and scissors.

Step 1: Lay out your fleece fabric and cut down to size. You will need a piece that measures 64" to 68" in length by 8" in width which will fit an adult. If you are making this for a child, you can manipulate the size of fabric needed to suit your needs.

Step 2: Measure 5" in from each short edge and place straight pins in a horizontal line into your fabric. I do this so I know how long to cut my fringe. Using scissors, cut fringe so that they measure approximately 1" wide by 5" in length. Remove pins.

You can leave the fringe plain or you can tie them together, the choice is yours. Your scarf is machine wash and dry, no special care is needed.

This article and craft project instructions written by Shelly Hill, copyright 2009, all rights reserved. You make link to this post/project on your web site as long as you give me and my site full credit for it. Thanks!