Making Fabric Flowers

The last two years have been nothing short of challenging, but many people have embraced the situation and found creative ways to occupy their time with crafting and gardening. Of course engaging in craft and gardening projects is also great therapy as well to help manage stress and stay healthy.

New crafters and diehards alike are now interacting more than they likely would have in person prior to the pandemic via special interest groups on social media platforms like Facebook to share ideas and inspiration and ask for tips and advice. A post in one of those groups I read this morning had me thinking of an article I'd published a while back on teaching children to sew. This led to my looking for said article and looking at all the salvaged pieces still waiting to see the light of day, and here we are. 

The following article was previously epublished in May of 2013 on a platform that did not include images.

Create Beautiful all Occasion Fabric Flowers

Fabric flowers are lovely to give and receive and just like their fresh, natural counterparts, can serve for almost any occasion when chosen carefully.  There are many ways to make fabric flowers, but for the finished flower to be suitable for any occasion the key is to stick to flowers that are not associated with specific events such as funerals.

Another thing to keep in mind when creating all-occasion fabric flowers is color. Roses are a prime example of flowers that can have different suitability based on their hue. If you really want to go all out, you can make your fabric flowers based on perennial growers that bloom year-round.

One great all occasion flower which is easy to make in fabric is roses. There are two ways of making fabric roses; one method involves making individual petals, and the other uses one long piece of fabric wound around a central base.

Of course you can avoid flower type casting all together and stick to craft flowers that do not necessarily resemble any known bloom found in nature.  These all-occasion flowers can be made of any fabric and in any color, though if they are meant to be worn as accessories, it is probably better to use fabric in solid colors rather than prints that may clash with an outfit.

Make your fabric flowers from scraps, remnants, old T-shirts or other clothing, old scarves or bandanas, ribbon, or fabric trim such as ric rack. Depending on the type of flower you create, you’ll need scissors, a product that prevents fraying, floral tape, wire, buttons, needles, and thread.

For a unique fabric flower that can also be functional, you can make fabric roses from folded handkerchiefs or towels to give as gifts. These can be presented on a variety of different occasions from birthdays to bridal showers. You could also fold a silk scarf into a unique fabric flower by following an origami diagram.

Generic fabric flower how-to

Did you ever made tissue flowers from stacking squares of paper when you were a kid? You can use the same technique to create pretty all-occasion flowers in solid or multi-colors. Use pinking shears to cut squares of fabric that are five by five inches. If you don’t have pinking shears you will need a product to prevent fraying to use on the fabric’s edges. You could also use a serger on the edges or just leave them be to fray as they may over time.

Stack three to five squares one on top of the other with the “right” side of the fabric face up. Next, carefully accordion fold the fabric (ever make a paper fan as a kid?) taking care to smooth out the fabric with each new fold. Be sure lift and turn the fabric with each fold so that it doesn’t bunch up. Once it’s folded, hold the folds in place with a clothespin, bag clip, or extra-large pin.

Depending on how your fabric flowers will be used, you can secure the folds in the center with tied string, thread stitching (baste and gather), or floral wire. While it’s tempting to use a rubber band, over time rubber bands can become gummy or even break.

Once the middle has been secured, fan out the folds so that you almost flatten the pleats. Slowly peel back the top layer of fabric, carefully pulling it towards the center. Repeat for each layer of fabric until you get to the bottom of the flower which you will pull downward slightly.

If you secured the center of the flower with floral wire, you may want to cover it now with floral tape. If the fabric flower is to be used for a nosegay or boutonniere you can save this step for later. If you decided to sew or tie the center to secure the flower, you can now attach it to a pin back, barrette, headband, hat, or whatever you like. 

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UPDATE: This was a simple how-to article created for a now defunct web site that shared it's ad revenues with content creators. At the time there were no images included with the articles. If you are a visual person and would like to see images of flowers you can make from fabric as well as see instructions, I have a number of links bookmarked to Pinterest. You can find them here: Flower Crafts

Note that as I update boards (organizing into folders didn't exist back in the day) some pins may move. 

Wearables: Tips For Knitting Scarves

The great thing about knitting a scarf is that it can be done in just a short amount of time.  It is the ideal first project as you only need to cast on a dozen or so stitches (possibly less depending on needle size) and you can start actually making something immediately.  Best of all, because knitting a scarf does not require a pattern and gauge is not a factor, even a beginning knitter can create a one in a matter of hours the very first day with a little guidance.

Much like crochet, the knitting of a textile is accomplished by creating a series of loops and linking them together in rows.  Unlike crochet, knitting is done with two longish needles instead of a single short hook and the loops are held onto the needle as you go along (Tunisian crochet is the exception to this).  Because a scarf is somewhat narrow, the loops will not bunch up too much as you work and the textile won’t easily lose its shape.  (Another reason knitting scarves is appealing to the beginner.)

Normally when creating a knitted textile from a pattern a sample swatch would be created to check the gauge of the knitting.  Gauge is the number of stitches per inch and is used to help the knitter determine what needles are best for the yarn being used.  Thinner needles create a tighter “weave” and larger ones create a more loose one.  Knitting a basic scarf requires neither pattern nor gauge; only the ability to manipulate yarn on the needles.

There are two stitches used in knitting, knits and purls, but a person need master only one of them (knits) to create a scarf.  To begin to knit any type of item whether it be a garment, home décor item or toy, you begin by what is known as casting on.  A textile that is made up of all knits and no purls is basically repeating the same process used for casing on but transferring the knitting stitches back and forth from needle to needle.  It is a lot simpler than it sounds or even looks to the novice at first glance and is quite easy once you get the hang of it.

Knitting generally takes a long time to create something larger than a square for a blanket or dish towel.  This is the reason many beginning knitters often get frustrated with the process and quit before finishing that awesome sweater they thought it was going to be so great to make.  Making squares to be connected for a blanket not only takes a lot of time, it can get a little boring in the repetitiveness of it.  Knitting a scarf though can be done in one sitting, especially if large sized needles are used.

For a beginning knitter, just like with crochet, creating scarves is one of the quickest and most satisfying projects that can be undertaken.  Whether the scarf is intended for personal use or to be given as a gift, completing it brings a sense of accomplishment and the instant gratification that will motivate the person to keep going with more and more knitting projects.  (From scarves one can move on to shawls, stoles and other wraps.)

Knitting requires a significant amount of yarn and choosing the right texture of yarn for a scarf is extremely important for novices.  Like sewing, the prettiest materials and garments are not necessarily the easiest to make/work with.   Fluffy yarns such as eyelash and wavy yarns such as bouclé are not always the best for beginners. 

Where a hat or scarf could be made with just one skein of some yarns in crochet, knitting can require double that amount or more.  It is always a good idea to purchase a couple of extra skeins just in case as some yarns have a dye lot and color matching may be difficult if the purchase of more is required to complete a project.

By knitting a scarf on large needles using all knits and no purls the result is a stretchy fabric in what is known as garter stitch that is simple and attractive, particularly when using a variegated (multicolored) yarn.  Also, the larger the needle the more “lacy” a knitted item will appear.

Things to keep in mind about knitting scarves:

-Using large needles reduces knitting time from several hours or even days to a matter of hours.

-Knitting requires a significant amount of yarn.

-Beginners should use the largest (thickest needles) they can find.

-Choose yarn carefully.

Knitting a scarf is a practical and satisfying activity that is a great way to relax and the end result is a beautiful and unique hand made item that can bring many hours of enjoyment long after it is completed.

Sewing Crafts: How to Make Your Own Wristlet Purse

Purses are an essential part of every female's existence. From young girls to seasoned senior ladies, we have to have someplace to keep all our stuff. Once upon a time even men carried purses, though they weren't like the saddlebags women tote around today. 

When you're headed out on the town and you don't need anything more than your phone, ID, and a card/some cash, a wristlet is the ideal choice. 

Originally published December 2010.

How to Make a Wristlet Purse

There are many occasions on which a woman may only need a purse large enough to carry her keys, identification, a little money, and/or a credit card and perhaps a lipstick. On these occasions a large handbag, such as the type generally carried day to day to hold everything, is just too cumbersome.

While the clutch purse is an attractive option, it has no strap like a shoulder bag, which means a woman has to hold it in her hand the entire evening. This may not be an issue at the theater, but at a party it means she only has one free hand with which to eat, drink and greet.

This is where the wristlet comes in handy. It is small and practical like a clutch, but has a short strap that allows it to be worn at the end of the arm like a bracelet. The strap can be attached as a zipper pull or sewn onto one of the side seams of the purse. The wristlet bag can be made from almost any material that you can put a needle through and sew. Even if you don’t have sewing skills you can adapt a small cosmetic bag or a change purse to function as a wristlet.

To make an unlined wristlet purse you will need a pattern, square of fabric, needle and thread, (or a sewing machine) straight pins, a zipper or Velcro, (or other fastener appropriate for your design) and the material for your strap such as a piece of ribbon or leather. Your square of fabric should large enough that when folded in half you have ample room for the items you plan to carry in it. If you want to eliminate the need for a zipper, you’ll want to use a rectangle of fabric that will allow you to fold the fabric three times (like a brochure) in order to create a flap to close the purse.

To begin, place the fabric flat on a clean work surface with the right side facing upward. Lay the zipper against one edge and pin it to the fabric, placing the pins close to the edge. Turn the fabric to the wrong side and fold down the edge with the zipper approximately one-eighth of an inch and press. Stitch the zipper to the fabric square.

Fold down one-eighth of an inch from the opposite edge of the square and attach it to the other side of the zipper. You should now have a fabric tube.  If attaching the strap to the side seam, turn the tube inside out and attach the strap to the end where the zipper closes. (If not attaching this way skip to the next paragraph.) Depending on the width of the strap you can attach it on the outside over the ends of the fabric or hide it inside by turning under the fabric edges and sewing through the layers of fabric and the strap to close up the side of the purse.

Unzip the zipper and turn the tube inside out again. Sew the open side according to the method you chose for the side with the strap. If you are attaching the strap to the zipper pull, close up the side seams leaving a one-eighth inch seam allowance. Turn the bag right side out again and sew the strap to the zipper pull. 

Once you’ve made one wristlet purse you can make dozens more. Experiment with shapes and materials to create your own unique designs to match your entire party wardrobe.

Gifts and Giving: Homemade Gifts vs Store Bought

Spending my time pursuing some sort of creative endeavor is always my first choice. As a result I have often had a number of things on hand to choose from when it came to gift giving time. That is, when I hadn't specifically crafted something especially for a particular person.

Once upon a time most people would have received a humble homemade item as a gift. Now there's twenty-four hour online shopping to provide us with whatever our materialistic hearts desire. Still, many people still appreciate something unique that makes them feel special and reminds them of the person who gave it to them.

The following article was previously published December 2011.

Homemade vs Store Bought Gifts for Christmas

As the holidays start to draw near, one question that often comes to mind is whether to give homemade or store-bought gifts for Christmas. For the avid crafter this is a no brainer; crafting for the next year’s Christmas gifts often begins shortly after the current year’s passes. For those who see themselves as creatively challenged, the idea of presenting loved ones with a unique gift handcrafted especially for them is both a wistful and daunting proposition.

On the flip side, receiving a homemade gift is highly valued buy some and seen as a cop-out by others. In an age driven largely by materialism and overconsumption, the homemade handicraft or jar of preserves isn’t always seen for the thoughtful gift it really is. That, however, is the recipient’s loss and not the giver’s. Contrary to popular belief, homemade gifts are not always less costly than store-bought ones. A hand-knit cashmere scarf takes several hours to craft and the yarn can cost as much as an expensive store-bought gift.

Choosing whether to give a homemade or store-bought Christmas gift is really up to the giver. Homemade gifts require time, talent, tools, and planning. If none of those are readily available, and planning ahead isn’t your strong point, stick to the store-bought items and start visiting the clearance rack the day after this Christmas to plan for the next one.

A homemade gift doesn’t have to be one that takes days or even hours to complete. Sure it would be nice to give your sweetie a hand knit scarf for Christmas, or make your expecting bff a crocheted baby blanket, but unless you do that sort of thing regularly, you may be getting yourself in for more than you bargained for. If crafting isn’t your strong suit, or if time is tight, keep things simple; you can still give unique, personalized gifts that would make Martha proud.

Some of the simplest homemade gifts you can make can be created from things you most likely already have around the house. Baked goods, flavored oils, stationery, potpourri, massage oils, bath salt, ornaments, and a plethora of hand embellished items are easy to put together in a manner of minutes.

At Christmas time (or any other gift giving occasion) it’s supposed to be the thought that counts. Whether a gift is homemade or store-bought, the one thing that is certain is that the gift should always be received with gratitude.

Why Children Should Be Taught To Sew

Just a recently there was an NPR broadcast on the president's daughter taking a "gap year" and the whole gap year program and how it got started. A mother stated that her kids were about to go off to college and she felt they were lacking in important life skills. Well, my thought was that teaching of life skills begins at home, but...

Once upon a time life skills were a given. You did chores at home, by the time you got to junior high school if you were a boy, you took shop class. If you were a girl you took Home Ec and learned to cook and sew (if you didn't already know how).

The article below, previously published in April of 2009 on a now defunct web site, starts off with a an account of another mother, this time with her daughter-in-law, addressing a very important life skill - sewing. There are a number of reasons why children should be taught to sew, and as I have addressed the most important of them below, I'll just add that today I'm no longer teaching and I spend a lot of time interacting with adults, young and not so young, who often leave me shaking my head in disdain. Life skills and literacy are disappearing rapidly and it's pretty sad.

Sewing is not a lost art, as some have claimed. If that were so, we'd all be naked. It's not a quaint, old-fashioned handicraft. It's an important life skill that everyone should be able to do, male or female, at least on a basic level.

Without further ado...

Why to Teach Children Sewing Techniques

I teach enrichment classes part time at a K-8 charter school. Last year the school's business manager stopped me in the hall one afternoon and said she had thought of me over the weekend. Her daughter-in-law been about to discard a throw pillow because of a ripped seam. She said she had taken the young woman by the hand and led her over to the sewing machine and taught her how to repair it, marveling at how it almost ended up in the trash.

Once upon a time sewing was considered a valuable life skill that was actually taught in schools. Thankfully that time is slowly starting to return to classrooms everywhere. My second grade students were thrilled at the opportunity to learn to sew as it meant they could potentially make all sorts of things, including their own unique clothing. A few were even dreaming of sewing up items to sell to make money!

It is an easy thing to teach children to sew and can be incorporated into math lesson plans. Before we started I gave my students a sheet of white copy paper and ruler and instructed them to draw lines that were one inch a part. I then gave them each a needle and colored thread so they could practice stitching in a straight line.

Next came the fabric some rectangular bits of upholstery fabric someone had given me that I really had no other use for. I never said what they were making and they all enjoyed trying to guess. They were shown how to pin the pieces together and then make a basic seam leaving a slight allowance. Almost all of them had to go over their seams a second time to reinforce them because their stitches were uneven and usually too long. Before long they had pinned and stitched three and one half sides of their rectangles at which time we cut up Mardi Gras beads to use as filler for the bean, that is bead, bags.

I ended class a little early so they could take their bags outside and toss them around. They learned the basics of a valuable skill that will serve them throughout the rest of their lives and experienced an increased feeling of self esteem and pride at their accomplishments.

Learning to sew by hand improves hand eye coordination and gives children a marketable skill they can potentially turn into income. It is a great hobby that allows them to create their own gifts and it gives them another avenue for self-expression as they begin to embellish and create their own clothing and accessories. Later, learning to sew with a machine takes all those other things to the next level where they can create more sophisticated projects.

Crafty Gifting: Gift Wrapping Alternatives Found in the Kitchen

It's gift giving time again! When you've put a lot of time and effort into choosing just the right item, and it's time to truss it up and present it to the intended recipient, you don't want to just stick it in a generic gift bag or some ordinary box with a generic bow from a bag. However, there are those times when we just don't have the time to make up pretty packages, or worse, we get home and realize the gift item doesn't fit in a standard box or, there's not enough left of that pretty large-roll paper, or we forgot the tape, or the ribbon or...

So, what's a savvy gift giver to do? Improvise with items on hand from the kitchen, of course! With so many "things" in our lives, there is often an excess of "stuff" around waiting to be used as it is, including reusable items from coffee mugs and egg baskets to tea towels and dinner napkins.

Originally published on Helium in April of 2011.

Gift Wrapping Alternatives from Kitchen Supplies

Whether you are in a pinch for something with which to wrap a gift, looking to be more eco-friendly, or just want to present your gift packages in a unique and creative way, there a number of items in the kitchen that make great gift wrapping alternatives. From cloth options to interesting containers, the kitchen offers a multitude of options beyond the usual printed paper gift wrap.

Paper options

Waxed paper, freezer paper, lunch sacks and paper grocery bags are all good kitchen alternatives for wrapping gifts. With the exception of the waxed paper, each can be custom decorated to make a unique one of a kind gift wrap. Use markers with a ruler to create straight lines or even plaid designs; trace stencils to create pictures or repeating wallpaper style patterns on the papers or bags. Alternatively, you can also use rubber stamps to create a pattern, or get super creative and make your own stamps from carrots or potatoes.

In addition to being used to create custom gift wrap, paper options from the kitchen are also great options for making cards and envelopes, gift tags, flowers, origami and other decorations to use for embellishing presents. Strips of paper can also be cut and used as ribbon in place of cloth ribbon.

Cloth options

Dish towels, tea towels, and cloth napkins are gift wrapping alternatives from the kitchen that are also reusable. Kitchen linens can be wrapped around a gift and bound with kitchen twine for an attractive, eco-friendly presentation that serves a dual purpose since the gift recipient will be able to use the wrapping as well as the gift.

Plastic options

Colored plastic wrap, food storage bags with or without printed decorations, and white kitchen trash bags can also be used as gift wrap. These are especially attractive alternatives when combined with the paper or cloth options for gift wrap from the kitchen.

Containers, baskets and tins

Almost everyone has an abundance of spare storage containers, empty tins, or even baskets on hand that can be used as a gift wrapping alternatives. These are especially useful for wrapping food gift items. The best part about using one of these items to gift wrap something is that they are reusable. They can be used on their own or in combination of one of the other alternative kitchen options listed above to dress things up a bit.

Gift wrapping alternatives from the kitchen are both practical and economic. Reusable items are not only eco-friendly, they make attractive presentations the gift recipients will appreciate as much as the received gift itself.

Simple and Creative Home Decor

Decorative ideas comes easily to some and are more than a bit elusive for others. Home decor articles were part and parcel during my Helium tenure, especially after I became a Channel Steward. The site is now barely a memory and I still have a number of articles originally published there waiting to find a new home.

As usual, life got in the way before I could pull everything from the site, but when faced with so many titles that had less to do with topics I was passionate about and more to do with trending topics and calls for articles, it ultimately came down to which pieces I felt were important to save and which ones I actually cared about.

As a creative person who is also a writer, as well as a teacher of arts and crafts, many of the craft based titles were things I could jump on easily and run with. The decor article here was one of those - can't remember the original publication date.

Those of us who are crafty occasionally feel the need to decorate the spaces through which we move. Sometimes we choose purchased items and sometimes we create (or at least embellish) something of our own. No matter what category you fall into, I hope you'll be inspired to create something unique and lovely.

Decorative Ideas For Hurricane Vases

Sometimes it seems the loveliest décor ideas are also those that are the simplest. Clear glass hurricane vases are quite versatile and can be used to create attractive centerpieces on tables and mantels that are suitable for just about any occasion.

While most vases are typically used to hold fresh flowers, hurricanes often serve double duty because of their similarity in shape to hurricane lamps. A simple trio of hurricanes, in either the same or mixed sizes, combined with white pillar candles can instantly transform a mantel. The hurricane vases can be left plain or dressed up further depending the casualness or formality of the occasion they are being used for.

The addition of greenery, such as ivy, ferns, or evergreen branches will add a little color to the hurricane vase decoration as well as a touch of nature. Arrange the greens in a circle at the base of a single hurricane or in a row in front of multiple ones grouped together.

Pillar candles can be set atop iridescent glass drops inside the hurricane vase or sand, pebbles, seashells, or even marbles. Choose candles and accents that are best suited for the width and height of the vase being used and never place flammable materials inside if planning on lighting the candles.

If the hurricane vase is large enough, consider using one or more flower shaped floating candles. Place the hurricane on a flat mirror large enough to reflect the light from the candles. Arrange leaves along the edge of the mirror, slightly overlapping each other to create a framing border. For additional color, scatter a few flowers (stems removed) among the leaves.

For tall or narrow hurricane vases, especially those with a stem, wrap a length of wide ribbon at the base and tie it into a bow.  In the absence of ribbon substitute a silk scarf or dinner napkin.

Candles aren’t the only thing besides flowers that can be used to create decorations with hurricane vases. Fruit, candies, marbles, colorful glass bulbs, Christmas ornaments, pasta shapes, and nuts are just a few items that can be used to fill the vases when decorating.

Hurricane vases are a must have for any home. They can quickly be used to make centerpieces from simple to sophisticated, and they are ideal for decorating on a budget since they can be used alone or combined with other items already on hand.

Alternatives to Traditional Christmas Trees

Yes, they are lovely to look at, but they are also costly (more and more so each year), and quite often they make a rather untidy mess on the floor. Unless you have kids at home and/or you find you just can't live without that fresh pine smell this time of the year, you may be wavering on whether or not to keep buying a Christmas tree year after year.

Yes, there are living trees for purchase and later planting, and yes, depending on where you live you can rent one, but wouldn't it be so much more interesting to do something different, something eco-friendly, and maybe even artistic? (Not to mention economical!) Read on!

This was one of my favorite contributions to the  Helium Celebrations channel. I really wish I  had a photo to go with this post! Originally published in November of 2010.

How to use a Wooden Ladder as a Christmas Tree

The idea of using a wooden ladder as a Christmas tree may seem odd to some, but to those who are imaginative or creative minded, it’s not only eco-friendly, it’s downright brilliant! No pruning, no pine needles to sweep up, no worry of water evaporation creating a fire hazard from a dry tree, and best of all, no extra expense – that is, as long as you already own the ladder.

A wooden ladder as a Christmas tree presents so many possibilities. The ladder could be draped and decorated like a tree or left bare and strung with multi-colored Christmas lights. Gifts could be strategically placed on the ladder’s “steps” while the other side of the ladder could be used for hanging everything from cards to stockings to ornaments.

The ladder could be painted green or left its natural wood color, which would probably be best since the ladder would mostly likely go back to its normal function once the Christmas holiday season is over. One way to add green though would be to drape a green fabric such as felt or even satin down the front of the ladder the way one would carpet a stairwell.

Decorative objects or even potted plants such as poinsettias, miniature pines or rosemary could then be arranged on the ladder’s steps to create a stunning display. After Christmas the plants could then be repotted or donated. Alternatively, collectibles could be arranged on the ladder’s steps to create an ascending display of figurines, snow globes, music boxes, gingerbread houses, candy dishes, vintage toys and any other sentimental object significant to you and your family.

Decorating the ladder without any kind of fabric draping should begin with the lights just like a real Christmas tree. This way you can carefully arrange the strands by weaving them in and out of or around the rungs/steps. Use clear lights for a conservative look and colored likes if going for a classic or theme look. Colored lights and a few strategically placed ornaments can more than serve as a substitute Christmas tree.

Many people like to decorate their Christmas trees in specific color schemes that change each year and the same approach can be taken when using a folding wooden ladder as a tree. There’s no hand and fast rule that says your Christmas tree has to be an actual tree. Just be careful climbing the ladder while decorating and follow the same safety rules you would when using the ladder to do projects around your home.

How to Choose the Best Fabric for Sewing Projects

It's late November already and to say I am severely slacking in my progress of the great article migration is a gross understatement. Time is a precious commodity, and I just never seem to have enough of it. Add to that my recent computer problems and it will be a miracle if I manage to save my published articles on Helium from disappearing into oblivion.

After spending what seemed like several hours on someone else's computer trying to figure out how to access my account (when I'm used to not having to type in a web address) and finally gaining access, I realized that for many of the "Where to find..." type titles, I would not simply be able to copy and paste, click save, preview, and publish.

The reality of having to take out the time to re-check all the hyperlinks and update the previously published information created a new problem. Then, all of a sudden, it occurred to me that I didn't have to publish the articles at once in order to transfer them. I could simply save them as drafts and re-publish as I had time.

Whew! Thank heaven for small favors!

So without further ado...

How to Choose the right Fabric for a Sewing Project

Choosing the right fabric for a sewing project is very important. The wrong fabric can cause a number of issues with a garment, accessory or home décor item. The right fabric can mean the difference between proper fit, durability and easy care, while the wrong fabric can spell disaster.

• Clothing

When sewing clothing from a store-bought sewing pattern, it is easy to find the right fabric for the job. On back of every sewing pattern there is a guide to help determine exactly what type of fabric is suitable for the item you wish to sew. The pattern’s guide will also list fabrics that are unsuitable for the garment as well.

There are a number of reasons to follow the guidelines on back of the pattern when deciding on an appropriate fabric for your project. Patterns that are suitable for stretchy fabrics are generally not suitable for non-stretch fabrics as those fabrics do not have the give of knit fabrics. Using a non-stretch fabric in this instance will result in an ill-fitting garment.

Patterns for blouses and dresses that call for soft fabrics such as silk would not be suitable for heavier or stiffer, less flexible fabrics such as taffeta or wool and vice versa. Patterns for casual clothing or children’s play clothes, are generally best suited to fabric that is easy to care for such as cotton or linen, which is both durable and machine washable.

• Household items for indoors and out

To find a suitable fabric for a home décor item, sewing patterns also provide help, but not everything is made from a purchased pattern. Throw pillows, for instance can easily be made by cutting a square piece of fabric, sewing up the seams, and stuffing the pillow with fiber fill. Choosing the fabric for the pillow will depend on where it is to be used.

Indoors, pillows for the bed or sofa can be made of almost any washable fabric, but outdoors a heavier, more durable fabric is required such as canvas. A large pillow to be used as a bed for a dog or other pet, should also be made from a durable fabric that is easy to clean.

Table linens, bed quilts, runners, hot pads and so forth are generally not suited for silky fabrics and certain knits. Quilts though, can be made from silk, as long as the type of silk used is one that is washable, otherwise the quilt will have to be dry cleaned. Many stretch fabrics are made with synthetic fibers which makes them unsuitable for kitchen use for items such as hot pads.

• Accessories and toys

Hats, handbags and toys all have different fabric requirements. The silky fabric used for an evening bag is obviously not suitable for a child’s doll. The fleece or felt used for a simple winter hat, while durable, may not be the best choice for a clutch purse to match an after five or cocktail outfit.

When making dolls, doll clothing, soft blocks, or stuffed toys the fabric requirements are quite different from garments or household items. While a variety of fabrics are suitable for these items (cotton jersey, muslin, fleece), there are several, such as wool, that are not.

Sometimes finding the right fabric isn’t just about texture. Surface design such as stripes, diagonals or other “obvious” prints, may not work as well for your sewing project as you might expect. These types of fabrics are harder to cut to have the prints line up, especially when sewing clothing.

Finding the right fabric for your sewing project is a matter of matching the right weight and texture to the item you are making and, in the case of patterned fabric, choosing the right design to compliment your finished item.

Book Review: Friendship Origami

Today is paper craft day. No, I'm not making pretty things out of paper, I am diligently transferring previously published articles (sigh) from that soon to be defunct publishing web site, you know, the one that used to be a good source of passive income for free-lance writers? Alas, it was a good run while it lasted.

I've been slacking off the past couple months, but a recent RT on Twitter reminded me that I have a little over a month left to get all my articles transferred from the site to my blog. Today's session started with the migration of my (former) Helium article on where to find scherenschnitte patterns, a tedious process in that I had to edit each hyperlink and check to be sure all the examples I'd listed in the original article were still viewable on active web pages.

Once that was (finally) over (it may have taken longer because the Saints game was on...) my sojourn into Scherenschnitte was  followed by the relocation of my book review of of Ramona Jablonski's Paper Cut-Out Design Book. The next subject at hand is one of my personal favorites - origami.

This cute little book came to me one day via my aunt; I've used it in the past in my enrichment classes, both for crafting and for sessions in how to follow directions. My students loved making origami items, and when we did them as part of an exercise in following directions I never told them what they were making. If they listened carefully, they'd end up with a paper cup (one of the simplest things to make).

I've even had the kids make their own origami paper by coloring abstract designs onto plain old copy paper. Copy paper is cheap and letting the kids decorate their own (without necessarily knowing why) lets them do something they love to do - color, and it provides them with unique papers later for use in their origami projects.

And so...

Review: Friendship Origami

Filled with sixty-four colorfully illustrated pages, Jill Smolinski’s Friendship Origami promises hours of paper folding fun with over two dozen great projects from jewelry to animals to paper dolls.  Even though the book’s cover says “Girls wanna have fun,” it’s a sure bet that boys will find almost all of the included projects equally as enjoyable.

Recommended for kids aged nine through twelve, Friendship Origami begins by explaining the basic folds and forms essential to creating origami on the first two pages and then moves straight into making stuff with the “Best Buddy Bracelet.”  This accordion folded project can be completed by any child capable of making a folded paper fan.  Children between the ages of six and seven may need a little help from an adult, especially with the last few steps, but even they can make this bracelet.  (This project is a great manipulative to use in the classroom, especially as an exercise in following directions.)  Recycled magazine pages with colorful pictures on both sides produce very interesting bracelets as does gift wrap.

The only difficult fold in the entire book is the Peace Crane. Everything else in Friendship Origami is easy enough that even younger kids (aged seven or eight) could accomplish many of the folds with the help of a fold-savvy adult to clarify some of the step by step instructions.  While the jewelry and purse projects are geared specifically toward girls there are many that are not.

Both girls and boys will enjoy folding the wallet, hat, dice, dog and turtle origami projects outlined in Friendship Origami.  The folded gift box is a great way to reuse stiff paper like the perfume inserts and advertising cards in magazines as well as old greeting cards.  The “Heart of Lace” makes a great Valentine project and the pinwheel, catchall and basket make great party favors.

Many kids learn to fold paper fortune tellers (also known as cootie catchers) at some point in their school careers and Friendship Origami presents yet another option for this project in using them to create puppets.  (Note: In the book they are used as a candy dish and can be found in the table of contents under Sweets for the Sweetie.)

Origami is a great activity that both kids and adults enjoy that yields hours and hours of entertainment and Friendship Origami is a great introduction for young people to the ancient paper folding activity.  All instructions are fully illustrated in simple, plain language.

Review: The Paper Cut-Out Design Book

As mentioned here previously, I have a great love for paper. Playing with paper is one of my favorite pastimes -- Paper clothes, paper beads, paper greetings, paper figures (origami)... Few things are more satisfying than taking a simple, ordinary piece of paper and turning it into something completely new.

In my previous post on Finding Scherenschnitte Patterns Online, I noted that shortly after falling in love with the traditional German paper cutting craft and writing the aforementioned article, I also did a book review that I published at Helium for Ramona Jablonski's The Paper Cut-Out Design Book. This coffee table book sized paperback volume is a paper lover's dream.

Looking at Ramona Jablonski's other books listed on Amazon, I can see I have some shopping to do in the not too distant future. Right after I go through all those boxes I took out of storage last year that are still stacked in the corner. Ah, where does the time go?

At any rate...

The Paper Cut-Out Design Book by Ramona Jablonski

The beauty and history of folk art paper cutting traditions is thoroughly and adeptly explored through four cultures in Ramona Jablonski’s The Paper Cut-Out Design Book from Stemmer House Publishers.

The book begins with a look into the history of paper cutting in China, which Jablonski notes dates back at least fifteen centuries (as of the book’s publication in 1976). She gives no official name for the Chinese craft, unlike the included traditions of Mon-Kiri (which later evolved to Kirigami), Scherenschnitte, and Wycinanki, which are Japanese, German and Polish traditions, respectively. (She briefly mentions Scherenschnitte being practiced in Switzerland as well.)

Examples of incredibly beautiful and delicate designs, intricately cut and resembling heavy line drawings, illustrate the pages throughout the book along with silhouettes, cut outs embellished by hand painting and carefully cut stencils used to embellish textiles.

Once readers have marveled over the illustrations and gleaned some of the history of this elegant folk art they can move on to learning the tools and techniques of the craft itself with the information given for working with both flat and folded papers.

Paper cutting enthusiasts can begin by trying their hand at a Chinese style flat paper design of a flower cut-out and then move on to German fold and cut techniques. Instructions for the German techniques (Scherenschnitte) begin with simple symmetrical designs that are achieved by folding a piece of paper in half. The book then moves on to show repeats in multiples of two from a fairly simple design where the motif is repeated four times to a more intricate one with the motif repeated sixty-four times for cuts resembling snowflakes and doilies.

Scrapbook enthusiasts and other paper craft hobbyists will find the border design and paper doll tutorials useful in creating embellishments for their layouts, while hard core admirers of paper cut design will appreciate the section on how to break down an existing design and find the repeat to copy the motif.

Jablonski shows readers step by step how to reproduce some of the classic designs displayed in the book and prepare them for mounting and framing. She also gives readers examples of how to use paper cuts for other crafting including needlework projects and includes a section on paper cutting with children.

The Paper Cut-Out Design Book is an excellent reference for historical information as well as design and cutting how-to, containing a wealth of information to enthrall, entice and inspire.

Finding Scherenschnitte Patterns and Templates Online

Anyone who knows me, is aware that I have a thing for paper, and that I've got it bad. I'm a huge fan of origami, making paper beads is sort of an obsession, and a few years ago, I discovered Scherenschnitte, a traditional German paper cutting craft.

I won't get into an explanation of the craft here, there are plenty of sources online for that, and you could easily spend an entire day trolling Pinterest looking at images like this one:

The pin doesn't take you directly to the post for this image, so I'm not including it, but here's the link to the Keeper of Tradition blog article, Falling Between the Cracks:
http://blog.massfolkarts.org/blog/index.php/2009/05/falling-between-the-cracks/

As the great migration continues, I have two Helium articles related to this topic to share. The first, which you'll find below, is about where to find Scherenschnitte patterns online. The second is a book review of The Paper Cut-Out Design Book, a wonderful resource on traditional papercuts, by Ramona Jablonski.

Originally published in July of 2010, here it is...

Where to Find Scherenschnitte Patterns Online

Scherenschnitte is the German folk art of paper cutting that can be used to create beautiful and sometimes elaborate designs in paper. These designs can be cut from either a flat or folded piece of paper to achieve everything from intricate silhouettes and stencils to pretty snowflakes and doilies. 

Just about any type of paper can be used to create Scherenschnitte designs. Many people have probably folded paper to cut and make a Valentine in elementary school, or even a snowflake, without realizing the simple craft had origins in Germany and has been practiced for hundreds of years. 

Similar paper cutting craft traditions exist in other countries as well, including China, Mexico and Poland. These designs require a little time and patience to execute but they are well worth the effort it takes.

Creating folded Scherenschnitte paper cuts such as snowflakes only requires paper, scissors and a design.  You can use embroidery or manicure scissors or purchase scissors sold specifically for creating Scherenschnitte.  Detailed designs such as silhouettes and stencils may additionally require a craft knife and mat to complete.

The following is a list of web sites that contain how to instructions and patterns for creating Scherenschnitte paper projects:

On this site you’ll find a set of step by step instructions on how to create Scherenschnitte projects with a design template: How to Do Scherenschnitte Paper Cutting

Here you’ll find a cute design, pattern and video with a brief explanation and demonstration for cutting the design: How To Scherenschnitte

The following site uses rubber stamps to create Scherenschnitte designs: Technique: Scherenschnitte with Your Stamps

This blog entry from Maggiecat shares a set of vintage Scherenschnitte designs for Christmas papercuts: Meggiecat: Christmas Papercuts/Scherenschnitte Patterns

Here you will find step by step instructions for cutting a heart shaped Scherenschnitte Valentine:How to Cut a Heart-Shaped Scherenschnitte Valentine

The following is a Scherenschnitte lesson plan for use with high school students: Scherenschnitte/Silhouettes

On this site you’ll find step by step instructions for creating a Scherenschnitte Wedding Certificate: How to Make a Wedding Certificate by Scherenschnitte or Paper cutting Crafting

Here you will find a variety of Scherenschnitte templates available for purchase: Papercutting Frames

Scherenschnitte is a beautiful paper craft with a very long history. It is ideal for scrapbooking and card making, and can stand alone on its own for matting and framing.

I have painstakingly checked each link and updated where necessary. Unfortunately, a few of the links in the original article were for pages that no longer exist. The good news is, that with Pinterest it's easy to find new resources for templates and tutorials. (Check out the link below to see what I've already pinned.)

My papercraft pinboard: For the Love of Paper

Ideas For Making a Fish Costume

It's the season for Costumes and although I'm a little late, I have a few articles in the can from my Helium days that now need a new home. If you still haven't settled on a costume, or if you've been too busy, you might find the following post useful, particularly if you've recently seen and been inspired by Mozart and the Whale, or if you just like fish.

I've already migrated my article on making a quick and easy Mardi Gras Costume from items you likely have on hand at home, (any of those ideas could also work for Halloween as well) and the article below on making a fish costume (the first of it's kind I did for Helium) will soon be followed by my article on creating a Nicki Minaj costume.

How to Make a Fish Costume

In making a fish costume there are as many possibilities as there are varieties of fish in the world's fresh and saltwater populations. The simplest way to make a fish costume is to draw a fish shape in the desired size on paper or cloth and attach it to supports that would make it wearable. The best materials to use will be based on how simple or elaborate the costume will be and whether it is to be used only one time or again and again, as well as if the costume will be for a child or an adult.

The Simple Method

For a quick, one-time-use costume the best material is paper. Butcher paper, brown package wrap, poster board and even newspaper are all good economical choices. Paper grocery bags are also a good option and there are books available such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art's "What Can You Do with a Paper Bag?" that can provide you additional with inspiration.

If time is a factor, an even simpler fish costume can be created by making a fish mask and wearing simple clothing such as a T-shirt and pants or dance tights and a leotard in a single coordinating color.

To make a fish costume from paper, decide first whether the fish body will be horizontal or vertical. Cut two lengths of paper long enough to accommodate the fish body. Lay both sheets on a table or on the floor stacked on top of each other so that both the front and back of the fish can be cut simultaneously. Save the scraps and set aside.

Cut an additional length of paper that can wrap around the torso of the person who will be wearing the costume. This will be used as the base for the fish body. Leave enough room so that the costume can be slipped on and off easily and then staple the base closed. Next, measure the person who will wear the costume across the shoulder from front to back in order to get the appropriate length for the shoulder straps. Cut two strips from the scraps left over after cutting out the fish body. (These scraps can also be used to cut fins if a 3D affect is desired.) The scraps can be attached immediately or as a last step in order to get the proper fit once the costume is assembled.

It can be extremely helpful to first sketch the desired fish on paper and plan the decoration for its body. Pictures of tropical fish or characters from children's books and movies such as The Rainbow Fish or Finding Nemo are great sources for inspiration.

Using tempera paints or other materials, decorate the front and back of the body with the desired fish design being careful to make them symmetrical and then staple the wrong sides together at the "nose" of the fish. Center the fish bodies over the torso base and carefully staple it in place. If the shoulder straps have not yet been attached they can be attached now.

The paper costume will be somewhat delicate so care should be taken not to tear it. For a sturdier costume, use poster board instead of paper or recycle cardboard from a large carton. For variation glitter, sequins, bits of colored tissue, colored foil gift wrap or "found" objects can be glued to the body of the fish as decoration.

Choosing to go with a More Sturdy Option

For a longer-lived costume than what the paper variety will provide, the same design principle can be applied using cloth. Using butcher paper or package wrap draw the body of the fish to create a pattern. Choose enough plain or patterned cloth fabric to be able to cut the fish body twice and have an additional piece to create the base (optional).

Lay the pattern on fabric that has been folded to allow cutting out the fish pattern through two layers of fabric at once. Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut it out. Fleece and felt are two fabrics that generally do not fray and are good choices for costumes. They are also warm, which is an advantage when celebrating a holiday such as Halloween in a cooler climate. Stitch the sides together leaving a sufficient opening at the top and bottom for the wearer to be able to comfortable get in and out of the costume.

If using fleece, slits can be made into the front to allow the arms to pass through. Take care to measure for all openings. It may be helpful to leave a slightly larger opening for the head and attach snaps or Velcro to be able to adjust the fit while wearing the costume.

Next, embellish the fish body with any desired decorative elements. Since most cloth is not stiff and will not hold a shape without reinforcement it may be best to plan the fish costume to be vertical. Choosing an iridescent or shiny fabric such as a satin for the fish could reduce the need for additional decoration.

For a more economical approach, an old pillowcase or bed sheet can be used instead of purchased fabric. Use the pillowcase as a base and cut openings for head and arms. Attach the decorated fish body to assemble.

These are two very simple and very basic methods for constructing a quick fish costume. With a little imagination a fantastic and fun costume can be created from inexpensive materials and even items already on hand.

Need a Costume for Mardi Gras?

Once again I am sitting in front the computer trying to whittle away at the plethora of articles posted to Helium. A friend asked this past week if I'd written anything new. Ha! I've let this go for so long now that I'll be lucky to finish migrating everything without having to make a mad dash to download and save it all before turning into a pumpkin.

Even though it's mid October and everyone is getting their Halloween costumes together, I'm thinking of costumes for a different time of year. The next item up for migration is a title on making Mardi Gras costumes on the quick. Of course, if you needed a simple Halloween costume quickly, any of these could serve that purpose as well.

Read on to find out how to make up a quick costume at the last minute, even if you don't actually have the time to make something from scratch, or the budget to shop at a thrift store. All it really takes to come up with something suitable is a little ingenuity while you shop your own closet.

Making a Quick Mardi Gras Costume

Making a costume for Mardi Gras can be as simple or elaborate an undertaking as you want it to be. There really are no rules and it is the one day of the year where practically anything goes. On Mardi Gras morning thousands of people will emerge from their homes garbed in their homemade garb made from old clothing, newspaper, card board and all sorts of other materials. To be in that number merely takes a little imagination.

Last year's left over beads and throws can be used to create wigs, embellishments and even complete outfits. If you don't have any swag from a previous Mardi Gras and you're not particularly gifted with a needle and thread, you can purchase a few simple items or possibly even shop your own closet to come up with a quick costume. Items such as hats, bandanas and scarves can easily be used to create an instant costume.

Tie a bandanna around your neck and put on a Stetson with jeans and a white T-shirt for an instant cowboy costume. For a quick pirate look tie a bandanna on your head and put a huge earring on one ear. If you're even remotely crafty you could add a simple eye patch using string and construction paper. Ladies can tie a scarf over their heads and wear hoop earrings and bangles for an instant gypsy or fortune teller costume.

One of the simplest costumes around is also one of the most popular, especially among college students. Simply take a white bed sheet and drape it Greco-Roman style for an instant toga. The wearing of some ethnic clothing could also stand in for a costume, especially if the aim is to dress as a particular figure in history or a well-known celebrity.

A quick trip to the thrift store can yield a used wedding dress or evening gown that can serve as the basis of a debutante or beauty queen costume. Many shops also have simple tiaras or you can make your own crown from paper or cardboard and or aluminum foil. A thrift store is also a good source for Tuxedos and other clothing items that can be reinvented quickly and easily. Pair a black suit and hat with dark sunglasses and in an instant you're a Blues Brother.

Literary figures, news headlines, politicians, even consumer goods often serve as inspiration for Mardi Gras costumes. Mardi Gras in New Orleans also means King Cake time to the locals and dressing as the baby from the cake by revisiting the bed sheet as costume is simple enough if you don't mind walking around in a diaper all day.

With a little creative thinking you can easily turn what's readily at hand into a quick and easy costume to wear out on Mardi Gras day while you're partying at the parades or taking in the sights up and down Bourbon Street.