The Zen of Making

Sunday Snapshot: Small Space Studio Tour

2012-02-26T14:13:00.000-05:00

I've been promising you guys a peek at my crafting studio for a while now, and I'm finally ready to give you the tour!

Now, I know what you're thinking—Holy cats, that's small!—and you're absolutely right. My full studio space measures a whopping 5' x 6'. (City living is definitely not for the claustrophobic.)

But, before you panic, let me give you some context: My husband and I live in a small railroad apartment in a Brooklyn brownstone, which also happens to double as my workspace. Because of the size constraints that come along with living in NYC, building any kind of studio requires both creative storage options and using as much wall space/height as possible. So, when we were coming up with the design, having an open layout with my regularly used tools within easy reach was top priority, so we came up with a combination of pegboards and open shelving to help me stay organized while moving quickly between projects.

The basic setup:

• Shelving with pegboards to keep tools and supplies organized and within reach.

• Small hardware-style drawers for organizing sewing machine feet and small supplies.

• A vertical storage tree for holding cords/threads/yarn while I'm working.

• Shelves dedicated to craft machines.

• A work table that doubles as a cutting table, which is also large enough to hold both a sewing machine and serger at the same time.

• A large square cube shelving unit that holds books on the top shelves and labeled boxes of supplies—organized by category—on the lower shelves (accessed from the other side of the work table).
Credit where it's due: Most of the design work and building was done by my husband, who is a genius at maximizing-small-spaces.

To give you a better idea of the layout and the space that we were working with, here's a photo of our office area right before we built the studio, then another one of the empty studio right after the build. Quite the transformation, eh?

Do you work out of a small space too? What're your favorite organizing tips?

TZoM Top 5: Must-Have Sewing Tools

2012-02-25T14:19:00.000-05:00

I may go a little "My prescioussssss!" in a notions aisle, but, when it comes right down to it, there are only a few items that legitimately fall into the category of daily sewing necessities. Here are my top five must-have sewing tools. If any one of them disappeared from my studio, I would be utterly, hopelessly lost. (And very grumpy.)

What's on your list?

1. Olfa Rotary Cutter
At first, I didn't believe all the hype about Olfa. I figured that, as long as you kept a sharp blade installed, all rotary cutters were created more or less equal. But, when it comes to the smoothness of the cut, the movement of the blade, and the sturdiness of the handle, there's simply no comparison. Take a deep breath, then spend a little extra money and go with Olfa—you won't be sorry. (I use the 45mm size, which is perfect for just about anything that I need to cut.)

2. Tracing Wheel with Serrated Edge
Though it may look like a Medieval torture device (or maybe something a bit more kinky), when it comes to transferring patterns and marking fabric, a tracing wheel with a serrated edge will quickly become your new sewing BFF. Unlike rotary cutters, I've found that the brand and shape is more a matter of a personal preference—as long as the wheel is sturdy and the handle feels comfortable, you're good to go. (Mine is from Perfect Pattern Aids, but I also like the look of this bamboo version from Clover.)

3. Clover Seams Right
The tiny Seams Right includes all of the most common sewing measurements in one place, and I use it for everything from adding seam allowances to patterns to marking evenly spaced hems and button holes. It's as small as a credit card and easier to wrangle than a standard measuring tape, so it's perfect for making quick adjustments as you work. The best part: it's metal, so you can use it with an iron to make hem creases or press corners on the fly, no marks needed!

When it comes to measuring tools, the Clover 5-in-1 Sliding Gauge comes in a close second. I reviewed both on Craft Test Dummies.

4. Omnigrid Rulers
My sewing skills would decrease dramatically without my Omnigrid rulers. I have two sizes, 8" x 4" and 24" x 6", and I use at least one of them on every single project. The rulers are clear with dual-color markings, so they're visible on both light and dark fabrics. The bottom is textured, which keeps them in place on the fabric as you mark or cut, and the acrylic is thick enough to make rotary cutting quick and safe.

5. Clover Chaco Liner
As long as I've been crafting, I've been on a constant search for the best, most universal marking tool. I wanted something that would make clean, crisp lines on all types of fabric and felt, and standard chalk pencils and fabric markers were definitely not cutting it. So, when I came across chaco liners at one of my local fabric stores, I could almost hear the birds chirping and fairies singing. I bought a couple of colors on the spot, and now I won't use anything else. The refillable pens come loaded with a fine chalk powder, which is distributed with minimal pressure through a roller in the tip, creating perfect lines with no stretching or snagging on felt, stretch fabrics, or delicate materials. (That's right, perfect marks on FELT!) It's a sewing miracle!

Did I miss something? Add your favorites below!

Big Geeky Announcement: I'm Writing a Geek Crafts Column for FaveCrafts!

2012-02-22T11:24:00.000-05:00

It's no secret that, when it comes to crafting, I'm a spectacularly geeky gal. (Try to name a material that I haven't turned into a TARDIS—I dare you!) So, when the fine folks at FaveCrafts offered me the opportunity to write a weekly geek crafts column, I jumped at the chance. Starting in March, I'll be delivering a weekly dose of geeky goodness to FaveCrafts readers, including exclusive tutorials, roundups from around the crafty internet, themed posts, and more!

Doctor Who, Star Wars, and Downton Abbey are currently topping my geek love list, but I want to know what's on yours! Unfurl your geek flag and let it fly, my friends: leave a comment below with your Mario cross-stitch patterns, Warhammer painting tips, links to your favorite geek crafts sites, and marriage proposals to Mulder and Skully!

Tutorial: Doctor Who TARDIS Phone Charging Station for Craftzine.com

2012-02-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Today is my birthday! (Hurrah!) And, in honor of turning the big two-nine, I'm sharing a gift with all of you! (For those of you who've seen me in person, my age may come as a shock. Rest assured that I'm well aware that I still look like a teenager.) To get your very own birthday treat, check out my Project: TARDIS Phone Charging Station over on CRAFT, and download a free copy of the printable pattern!

Project: TARDIS Phone Charging Station

Do you ever sit back in your cube, listening to the hum of fluorescent lights and the low rumble of keyboards clacking away in the distance, wondering how you can take your geek cred to the next level? Well, I'm pretty sure that a handmade TARDIS phone charging station would do the trick!

Step 1: Print out the pattern PDF and cut out each piece. Then, use the following key to cut your felt and plastic canvas. (Each pattern piece is lettered.)

Step 2: Select one of the navy blue felt pieces cut from pattern piece A. Begin adding details to the body of your TARDIS by attaching piece B to the top of piece A using 2-ply navy blue embroidery floss. Use a whipstitch around the outside edges and a straight stitch on the inside...

Want to see more? Head over to CRAFT to download and see the full tutorial!

Pattern: TARDIS Cross-Stitch Valentine

2012-02-13T20:42:00.001-05:00

Hello, geeky valentines! Need a last-minute card for that special someone? Surprise your favorite, er, companion by stitching a quick Doctor Who-inspired valentine with my free printable pattern!

Supplies:
* Embroidery floss in navy blue, light blue, red, black, and silver
* Card stock in gray and red
* White glue or dry adhesive
* Scotch tape

Tools:
* Fabric scissors
* Paper scissors
* Embroidery needle

Ready to get stitching?

You can download a full PDF of the pattern here.

Step 1
Print the pattern on gray card stock. Cut out the piece with the printed stitch pattern, then use your embroidery needle to punch the holes for the stitches.

Step 2
To keep the paper as flat as possible, use tape instead of knots to secure the floss to the back of the card.

Step 3
Using 2-ply embroidery floss, work your stitches in rows, stitching lines in one direction first, then working backwards to cross each stitch in the opposite direction. Complete all stitches in one color before moving on to the next color.

Step 4
Print the second card piece on red card stock, then cut it out. Center the stitched paper on the unprinted side of the red piece, then glue it in place using white glue or dry adhesive.

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! I hope you all get to play a little doctor this year. ;)

Sunday Snapshot: Fake Office Love

2012-02-12T20:00:00.000-05:00

I made a fake office today for a project photo shoot, and I think I like it better than my real one.

Alas, you'll have to wait until later this week to see the actual tutorial that I shot there, but you can rest assured that it's going to make me queen of all the geeks! (You're shocked, I know.)

What did you make this weekend?

Tutorial: Embroidery Floss Travel Box

2012-02-09T12:27:00.000-05:00

Organized embroidery floss. On the go. No knots, no tangles—even if it's bouncing around all day in your bag. (No, seriously.)

Inspired by a conversation with fellow CRAFT writer (and embroidery goddess) Rachel of Average Jane Crafter, I designed this project specifically for needlework geeks who like to stitch on the go. Each embroidery floss travel box holds up to two different colors, has a front pocket to hold floss color tags, and has a bobbin feeding system for quick floss access with no tangles. (Huzzah, no knots on the subway!)

Are you a yarn crafter too? Check out my modular colorwork yarn holders on CRAFT to keep multiple colors of yarn organized and untangled when knitting or crocheting on the go!

Supplies:
* High quality felt, ½ sheet of the primary box color, ¼ sheet each of two contrasting colors
* 1 bamboo skewer or chopstick
* Embroidery floss, at least 2 colors (for box construction)
* Embroidery floss, 1 or 2 colors (to load onto bobbins for projects)
* 2 plastic sewing machine bobbins
* 1 Velcro closure, ½ " circle or square (or cut to size)
* Fabric-friendly adhesive (I used Amazing E-6000)

Tools:
* Hand-sewing or embroidery needle
* Small steel crochet hook, size 12
* Paper hole punch
* Fabric scissors with detail tip
* Paper or kitchen scissors/clippers (to cut bamboo)
* Sandpaper

The following tutorial creates ONE box. Gather additional materials to make multiple boxes.

Step 1
Using fabric scissors, cut the following shapes out of the primary felt color: seven 1¼" felt squares and one 1¼" x ¾" rectangle. In the contrasting felt colors, use a paper punch to punch six small felt circles for flower petals and one small felt circle for the center.

Step 2
Begin constructing the box by attaching the sides to the bottom.

To do this, select a felt square for the bottom of the box, then attach the first side by laying a second felt square on top of it and whipstitching the squares together along ONE of the outside edges using 2-ply embroidery floss. Once stitched in place, open the attached side to get it out of the way, then line up the next side with the bottom of the box and repeat the same process. When the first three sides have been attached, stack the the 1¼" x ¾" rectangle on top of the fourth side, lining up the bottom of the rectangle with the edge that will be stitched to the bottom of the box. Whipstitch through all three felt layers to attach the fourth side to the bottom of the box.

When you're finished, all four sides should be attached to the bottom of the box. Knot off on the inside of the box and trim any extra floss length.

Step 3
Connect the sides to create the walls of the box.

Using 2-ply embroidery floss, line up the first two sides and whipstitch them together. I stitched a couple of extra loops at the bottom and top for added stability.

Step 4
Once you've stitched the first two sides together, slip your needle and floss under the stitches of the side and bottom seams on the inside of the box to move the needle to the next corner. Repeat the process for all four sides, working each seam from bottom to top. (At the corners where the rectangle is attached, include the sides of the rectangle in the side seams, creating a pocket.)

Once you've finished the last side seam, bring the needle and floss back down under the stitches, then knot off at the bottom corner of the seam on the inside of the box.

Note: I used one long piece of embroidery floss (20" or so) for steps 3 and 4. If that much floss will tie you up in knots, feel free to use shorter lengths and knot off as needed.

Step 5
Once your side seams are sewn, trim off any excess floss length, then use a small embroidery hook to secure the ends under stitches on the inside of the box. When you're done, the bottom of your box should have three regular sides and one side with a floss tag pocket.

Step 6
Sew the flower applique in place.

Arrange the flower applique pieces on one of the two leftover felt squares, loosely tacking each piece in place using thread or embroidery floss. Then, using tiny straight stitches, stitch around each circle, knotting off after each one.

When you're done, pull out the length of thread that you used to tack the pieces down, then trim any excess floss after the knots.

Step 7
Create the top flap for the box by whipstitching the appliqued square to the remaining felt square along one edge. Knot off.

Step 8
Attach the top flap to the box.

Insert the flap piece into the box with the appliqued/stitched side facing up, lining up the top edge of the non-appliqued square with the top edge of one side of the box. (The flap should be attached to the side that is opposite the floss tag pocket.) Whipstitch the edges together and knot off.

Once the top flap is attached, whipstitch around the outside edges of the flap. Knot off, then secure all ends under stitches on the inside of the box.

Step 9
Using a strong fabric-friendly adhesive (I used Amazing E-6000), attach one side of a Velcro closure to the bottom edge of the top flap, then attach the other side of the closure to the bottom edge of the box, making sure the two sides line up. Allow to dry completely.

Step 10
Using kitchen scissors or clippers, cut a 1" long piece from a bamboo skewer or the narrow end of a chopstick, smoothing any rough ends with sandpaper.

Step 11
Center the bamboo piece on the bottom of the box, gluing it in place with a strong adhesive. (Again, I used Amazing E-6000.) Hold the bamboo piece in place by hand until the glue sets, then allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Note: Before I glued my bamboo piece down, I put the fuzzy side of a Velcro square on the bottom of the box because I thought the texture might help the wood stick better. I don't think it made much difference once the glue dried, so feel free to skip it.

Step 12
Using fabric scissors, fold the top (non-appliqued) square of the flap in half horizontally, then cut an opening for the floss down the center.

Step 13
Wind embroidery floss around two standard sewing machine bobbins.

Step 14
Using the bamboo piece as a guide, load the bobbins into the box.

You can load each box with two bobbins that are the same color, or combine bobbins with different colors for more choices on the go.

Step 15
Thread the ends of the embroidery floss through the opening on the top of the box for easy access on the go, then tuck them back inside to keep things neat when not in use.

Enjoy your tangle-free travels!

Tutorial: Sewing Kit Valentine Card

2012-02-07T15:07:00.000-05:00

Last week, I shared a Valentine's Day paper craft made especially for sewing geeks over on CRAFT!

Project: Sewing Kit Valentines Card

Get cute and crafty this Valentine's Day by sending your pals, lady-friends, and gentlemen callers a handy sewing kit valentine!

Step 1: Make a symmetrical heart pattern by folding a piece of paper in half width-wise, then drawing half of a heart at the fold. My heart is about 6" tall. Cut out the pattern and open it.

Step 2: To create the card, fold a full sheet of colored paper in half width-wise then line up the heart pattern so that the top edges of each side meet the fold. Trace the shape onto the paper with a pencil then cut out the card. Take care to leave the tops of each side connected at the fold...

Want to see more? Head over to CRAFT to get the full tutorial!

Sunday Snapshot: Vintage Metal Tapewriter

2012-02-05T14:16:00.000-05:00

There is certainly a learning curve for using a vintage Dymo-Mite Tapewriter, but I'm making a little bit of progress. I'm especially proud of myself for figuring out how to engage the punch feature. (Seeing as how I'm currently in the throes of my requisite post-trade show head cold, the fact that I've figured out anything at all constitutes a minor miracle.)

Video Friday Internet Crushes: Jenny Wants Bug Art

2012-02-03T14:15:00.004-05:00

If you've ever been to a trade show, you know how loopy things can get toward the end: you're tired, you've met a million awesome people, and you haven't slept in days. So, on the last day of CHA, when the show lights had been turned down and the closing announcements had been made, things got a little, well, weird.

During a discussion of creepy/gross-tastic—yet somehow still cool—crafts, my pal Jenny from Craft Test Dummies enthusiastically declared her love of bug art. Now, we may have all been a little post-show slaphappy, but I can confirm without question that her excitement is 100% real. (I, on the other hand, am a big fan of Victorian mourning hair wreaths and brooches.) I'm pretty sure that no crafts are too strange for Team CTD, and that's just the way I like it!

What are your favorite offbeat crafts?

Upping my game in DIY videos is one of my goals for 2012. Subscribe to my YouTube channel to see what new forms of crafty hijinks I get up to next!

CHA: Spotted on the Show Floor

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Vintage thread display from the 1940s in the Coats & Clark booth.

Kathy (Crafty Chica) in the ilovetocreate booth.

Krylon Glitter Blast.

The lovely Vicki (The Creative Goddess) and her designer showcase.

Thread spool Mona Lisa by artist Devorah Sperber in the Coats & Clark booth.

The ladies of Lion Brand Yarn.

Mod Podge Rocks book info from the Plaid booth.

Caron yarn bombing by Vickie Howell.

Me next to the fantastic paper plate flower column in the ilovetocreate booth.

Jenny (Craft Test Dummies) and Kelly at the Spellbinders media breakfast.

CHA Demos: Day 4

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Today is the last day of CHA. If you haven't already said hi, make sure you head on over to the Waxman booth (#2633) before the show closes!

Demo #1: Faux Cross Stitch Photo Frame, 10:00-11:00am

Demo #2: Chair Sock Embroidery, 1-2pm

Curious? You'll have to stop by to find out!

See you in the booth!

Video: DIY Bumper Headbands at CHA

2012-01-31T15:07:00.001-05:00

Jen from Craft Test Dummies stopped by the Waxman booth at CHA to check out my bumper headbands!

CHA Demos: Day 3

2012-01-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

Day three of CHA is upon us! While you're running around trying to make it to your meetings on time, don't forget to stop by the Waxman booth (#2633) for a quick crafty demo break!

Demo #1: Fairy Finger Puppet, 10:00-11:00am

Three words: rubber chair tips.

While I was at it, I also made a TARDIS finger puppet. Alas, it won't be part of the demo, but you can still check it out in the booth!

Demo #2: Felt Pad Laptop Sleeve, 1-2pm

Learn how to make a modern laptop sleeve using pre-cut felt pads.

Demo #3: Bumper Necklace, 4-5pm

This necklace has definitely been a hit on the show floor this week, so drop in and see how quick and easy it is to make your own!

See you in the booth!

CHA Demos: Day 2

2012-01-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

For all of my fellow crafty folks in Anaheim, welcome to day 2 of CHA! While you're walking the show floor, don't forget to stop the by the Waxman booth (#2633) and check out my demos!

Demo #1: Felt Pad Tote Bag, 10:00-11:00am

Learn how to create an easy, stylish tote bag using felt pads that come out-of-the-box ready in multiple sizes and colors.

Demo #2: Hex Bumper Mosaic Coaster, 1-2pm

Simple foam hex bumpers make perfect mosaic tiles for small home decor projects. Stop by the booth, and I'll show you how to combine them with paint and a little Mod Podge to create fun custom coasters.

Demo #3: Felt Mushroom Pincushion, 4-5pm

This project is proof that there's nothing you can't make with a rubber chair tip and some felt pads!

See you in the booth!

CHA Demos: Day 1

2012-01-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

Are you at CHA this week? Stop by and check out my demos in the Waxman booth (#2633), and learn how to make some crafty magic of your own with bumpers and surface protectors!

Demo #1: Bumper Headbands, 10:30-11:30am

Bumpers aren't just for cabinets anymore! Stop in for ideas on using clear and foam bumpers to make holiday and faux cross-stitch designs.

Demo #2: Cork Pad iPhone Case, 1-2pm

Cork pads can keep your blender in place and your electronics safe and stylish! In this demo, I'll show you how to create modern designs with cork, then I'll teach you the basic stitches that you'll need to create a case of your own.

Demo #3: Candle Holder/Vase, 4-5pm

Get inspired to make your own holiday decorations and home decor pieces using bumpers, paint, and little bit of decoupage!

See you in the booth!

Organizing for CHA Craft Demos

2012-01-27T16:22:00.001-05:00

After a week of being tossed around in my usual pre-travel storm, I can finally see some calm on the horizon. (I'd better be able to, since I fly out to LA in the morning!)

For me, the best way to keep travel stress low—especially when there are demos involved—is by making sure that everything is ridiculously organized before I leave. But, because I'm doing eleven demos in four days (with 10 different projects) in the Waxman booth at CHA, I can confidently say that, this time, I took my travel organization efforts to a whole new level.

• I packed all of my pre-prepped materials and tools in a double-sided carrier with small compartments, then labeled each compartment.

• I outlined each project on its own color-coded note card (a different color for each day), so I have a quick reference on hand for the supplies and tools needed and any prep work that will need to be done before each demo.

• I created a complete demo guide for the show by combining my project cards with a master supply list and a master tool list on a binder ring.

• All supplies that were too large to fit in my carrier were sorted into individual ziploc bags and labeled by project.

It may look like I packed in a fit of OCD rage right now, but I can guarantee that I won't be sorry when I get to Anaheim!

Sunday Snapshot: Knitting Continental

2012-01-22T12:01:00.000-05:00

It's finally snowy and cold here in NYC, so I took advantage of the weather last night and stayed in to re-learn how to knit.

I'm a great lover of crochet, but I've known how to knit since college, when my friend Mike Topper taught me how while we were working at the Half-Ass (Halfway Inn) in Ann Arbor. Before last night, it had been at least five years since I'd last picked up my sticks, but, thanks to the knitting mysteries and romances I've been reading lately (don't judge—they're surprisingly decent popcorn reading), I suddenly found myself with the itch to try again. Like most Americans, I'd originally learned to knit using the English method, but, upon consulting my copy of Stitch 'N Bitch, I noticed that the yarn hold in the Continental method looked a lot like the yarn hold I was used to in crochet. I tried it out, and everything just clicked. Now, I only wish that someone had told me earlier that knowing my way around a crochet hook would make Continental knitting a breeze!

Review: Lion Brand Yarn Wool Stainless Steel Yarn for Craft Test Dummies

2012-01-19T12:58:00.001-05:00

Wool stainless steel yarn has a weird name, but it's some seriously fabulous stuff. (Also, can we just take a moment to talk about how much I love the packaging?) The lovely folks at Lion Brand Yarn sent me some to try out, and you can read my full review over on Craft Test Dummies: Craft Product Review: Lion Brand Yarn LB Collection Wool Stainless Steel Yarn

Craft Product Review: Lion Brand Yarn LB Collection Wool Stainless Steel Yarn

When I received a sample of the LB Collection® Wool Stainless Steel Yarn from Lion Brand Yarn, I immediately fell in love with the packaging and presentation. Plus, with such an odd name, I couldn’t wait to try it out and see what it could do (and how it would treat my hands). After testing it alone, then incorporating it into several different kinds of projects, I’m pleased to report that the yarn was a ton of fun to work with, performed beyond my expectations, and left my skin completely free of scratches and irritation.

What I loved:
1. The wool stainless steel was easy to crochet and knit, and did not feel at all stiff or rough to the touch.

2. Thanks to the stainless steel strand woven into the yarn, you can make detailed lace stitches and arrange them by hand without needing to block with water. This would be great for holiday ornaments or knit and crochet work that will be hung or displayed...

Curious? Head on over to Craft Test Dummies to read the full review!

Sunday Snapshot: CHA Homestretch

2012-01-15T14:47:00.000-05:00

There are just two weeks to go before CHA opens in Anaheim, and things are definitely hoppin' around TZoM headquarters. I'm absolutely determined to avoid the stress of a last-minute scramble, so I'm working hard to finish up my in-booth demo project designs for Waxman this week. My Mod Podge collection and pigment pens have been getting quite a workout, and I plan to spend the rest of the afternoon getting creative with self-adhesive bumpers and embroidery floss. (It's way more exciting than it sounds—I promise!)

Did you make anything awesome this weekend?

Tutorial: Perfect Felted Wool Balls and Beads

2012-01-12T08:15:00.000-05:00

For a recent project, I needed a whole pile of fairly uniform felted wool balls. I thought it would be easy enough to make my own—I'd seen quite a few tutorials kicking around the crafty blogosphere—but no matter what method I tried, I always seemed to end up with the same ugly ridges, cracks and creases. In my frustration, I started experimenting with different combinations of felting techniques, and finally stumbled upon the answer for creating perfect round felted wool balls, with no washing machine or wool yarn core required!

Supplies:
* Wool roving, dyed or natural
* Detergent, mild and unscented
* Hot water

Tools:
* Needle felting needles (I used a Clover needle felting tool.)
* Needle felting mat or foam pad (I used a Clover needle felting mat.)
* Large bowl or washtub
* Towel

Step 1
Gather a large handful of wool roving, fluffing and separating the fibers.

Step 2
Wrap the roving into a tight ball. (There will be some flyaway fiber at the beginning of the process, so don't expect immediate perfection!)

This ball will be about twice the size of your finished felted ball.

Step 3
Place the balled fiber onto the felting surface. With a felting tool or felting needle, begin to intertwine the fibers and fuse them together by poking the needle into the center of the ball.

Step 4
Continue working your way around the ball, smoothing any loose fibers down and poking them into place. In areas where layers of roving overlap, take special care to poke the layers together until the surface is smooth and uniform, and no evidence of the overlap remains. (This will prevent ridges and gaps from forming in your finished felted balls.)

When your needle felted ball is round and has a mostly smooth surface, you're ready to move on to water felting.

Step 6
Add a few drops of gentle detergent to the bottom of a large bowl, then fill it with the hottest water that your hands can safely stand. Dip a needle felted ball into the water and begin to roll it lightly between your palms in a circular motion. As the fibers fuse, periodically return the ball to the water bowl, then continue rolling, increasing the pressure of your hands slightly as the ball becomes firmer. The rolling process will take at least one to two minutes per felted ball.

Note: When you first start rolling, resist the urge to press hard—this could create creases on the surface of your felted ball.

Step 7
When the surface of your ball is completely smooth and uniform, the felting process is complete. Squeeze any water out of the ball, then press the ball in a towel. Once excess water is removed, roll the ball in your hands one last time to round it out, then allow it to dry for at least 12 hours before using.

CHA Sneak Peek: TARDIS Finger Puppet

2012-01-10T09:56:00.000-05:00

I'm deep into the prep work for my Waxman in-booth demos at the CHA Winter 2012 conference! Here's a sneak peek of one of my projects: a TARDIS finger puppet! (Don't worry—there will also be finger puppet examples for those of you who don't speak geek!)

Sunday Snapshot: It's a Lion Brand and Waxman Kind of Day

2012-01-08T13:28:00.002-05:00

I'm spending the day playing with new yarns from the Lion Brand Yarns LB Collection and working on projects for my in-booth demos for Waxman at CHA. It may be Sunday, but it's certainly not a lazy one here at TZoM headquarters!

Yesterday, my pal Jenny from Craft Test Dummies cheerfully reminded me that CHA is only TWO WEEKS away. In light of that revelation, I'm now taking deep breaths and trying not to panic. Two weeks is more than enough time to finish my projects, sew my clothes, write a review, and put together the tutorials that I need to hand in before I leave, right?! Right.

Edit: Phew. Just realized that CHA is actually in THREE weeks, not two.

Now, who else is totally freaking excited for CHA?

Friday Internet Crushes: Ms. Stitcher Stitched a TARDIS!

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

TARDIS iPhone case from TZoM reader Ms. Stitcher!

A few days ago, I got a very sweet comment on my TARDIS iPhone Case Cross-Stitch Pattern post from Rebecca over at Ms. Stitcher, letting me know that she'd used the pattern to make her own TARDIS iPhone case, and that she'd posted a photo on her blog.

Now, it's a treat for any craft designer to know that her patterns are being used, but this was the first time that I'd actually *seen* one of my projects in the wild, so it definitely made my whole darn week!

Rebecca made the case as a Christmas gift for her brother-in-law, who, like me, is a rabid Doctor Who fan. I think she did a great job, and I love how the the design looks on a black background! You can check out her original post—including the other handmade gifts that she made this year—on her blog. Head on over and show her some love!

Tutorial: Crochet 101 for Craftzine.com

2012-01-04T16:23:00.000-05:00

Were you excited about my crocheted snowflake ornaments or double sided dish scrubbers, but totally intimidated by the idea of learning how to crochet? Well, even if you've never picked up a crochet hook before, have no fear! Check out my Crochet 101 video tutorial on CRAFT, and I'll show you everything you need to know to get hookin'!

Crochet 101: Chain Stitch, Single, and Double Crochet

Welcome to Crochet 101! In this post, I'll introduce you to the basics of crochet and give you all of the information that you'll need to select your tools and get started. In the video above, I'll show you how to attach the yarn to the hook and make your foundation chain, then I'll teach you three basic stitches: single crochet, double crochet, and slip stitch. After that, I'll show you how to fix mistakes and finish off your work. Below, you'll also find a glossary of the crochet vocabulary words that I use in the video, plus brief overview of how hook sizes and yarn weights work so you'll know what you're looking for when you first visit the yarn store. When you're done, you'll have the skills that you need to complete your own basic square or rectangular projects, and a solid background that you can take with you as you move on to more complex stitches and patterns...

Need more information? Head over the post on CRAFT, where you'll find the video, a glossary of the crochet terms that I used in the video, and a brief explanation of hook sizes and yarn weights. That's everything you need to get started, all in one easy to find place!