50 Free Crochet Patterns

Love to Crochet?   Looking for a new free pattern?   Visit Online Degree for 50 free Crochet Patterns.
Here is a sample of some of the free patterns.

Simple Water Bottle Cover Pattern to Knit

Elly at Green Olive Designs

Shares her free pattern with all of us.   Visit her site for the free knitting pattern.

50 Free Knitting Patterns

Love to Knit?   Looking for a fun new pattern that's FREE?   Visit On Line Degree for 50 knitting patterns to download for FREE!
Here is a sample of some of the patterns-

Handmade Rag Rug Tutorial

Years ago I found an eight foot circular, handmade Rag Rug for sale at a craft store.   It was beautiful, unfortunately, it was also sold.   Since then I have often thought it would be fun to try and make my own.   Today I finally found a free tutorial.   It looks easy and fun to do.   Luckily, I still have my collection of scrap fabric.  I'll be giving this a try.   Visit Sugar Bee for the free Video Tutorial.

Keep Calm and Carry On Glass Tile Pendant How To

Here's a simple tutorial to make a glass tile pendant.   A Free PDF for the Keep Calm and Carry On image can also be found at Craft Bits.

How To Make Fairy Wings

My children and grandchildren love our dress-up basket.   Piled high with scarves and hats, long dresses and jewelry.   These fairy wings will make a perfect addition.   Visit Mommy Blessings for the free tutorial.   They will be fun to make.

( These would be perfect with ballet slippers - Click here for the link to the free ballet slipper tutorial)

How To Make Girls Ballet Slippers

Little girls love to dance, especially in ballet slippers.   Thank you Ikatbag for the free tutorial.   Now I can make them myself.   And so can you!   Visit Ikatbag here.

How To Make A Cardboard Pirate Ship

Every Tuesday is Art Tuesday at our house.   Eric and I get together and create.   Now I know what next weeks craft will be.    We'll make our own pirate ship out of the left over boxes from Christmas.   Free, fun creativity!   Combine the ship with some action figures and he'll have a great time! 

Thanks to ikatbag for the sweet tutorial and idea!   Visit ikatbag here. 

Farmhouse Doll Bed - Plans

Handmade Christmas Gift Idea #8

When I found the plans to make this little doll bed - my Christmas list of 

things to make just got longer!   This is the cutest doll bed- by far- I have ever seen!

and the hand made mini quilt.   I love it 

Do you have a little girl who needs a bed for her Christmas doll? 

Well here are the free plans - make it yourself for pennies!

The plans are here

Personalized Pillow Painting Kits

Handmade Christmas Idea #7

For just a few dollars you can make an art kit. 

Think about the person you want to make the kit for.   Do they have a favorite animal,

cartoon character?  What are their hobbies?   Then search online for a picture or if you're very 

creative sketch your own design with a pencil onto fabric.   I used white Denim fabric but you can use

any light color fabric you have.   Then use a permanent marker to go over the pencil lines.  

My inspiration for this idea came from here

And I thought - very clever, I can make my own for much less money.

This is the kit that I made for my grandson.   You will need to include

tempra paints or permanent markers, draw the design onto fabric and include one more

piece of fabric for the back of the pillow.  You will also need to include instructions on how

to finish the project, or offer to sew it for them when they are finished creating with paint or markers. 

This is how I made my snake pillow

First, mix tempra paint with water (not to much) and mix well

The above photo shows what the paint will do if you have too much water

The photo below shows what the paint will do with the proper water to paint ratio

After you have finished painting, cover the pattern with a thin cotton cloth

and iron on high heat to set the color.   When you are sure it is completely dry -

then wash in the washer with a junk towel in cold water

And dry in the dryer on high heat.

After you take it out of the dryer,  

Iron and then sew the front and the back together

leaving a small opening.  Stuff with poly filling

hand stitch opening closed and enjoy

If you make the snake I recommend making two - My older boys who 

are 11-years-old use them for pillow fights.  Make great weapons!

Eric, my grandson loves Lion King so he chose Simba

I googled coloring pages and found a drawing of Simba drawing here

(You will find many free downloads there)

Eric spent the morning painting and coloring.  

Come back tomorrow to see how we turn Simba into a PillowPet! 

Have Fun!

How To Make A Handmade Heating Pad

Handmade Christmas Gift Idea #6

Many years ago I was given one of my favorite Christmas Gifts. 

A dear neighbor and friend made a heating pad for me.   At first I wondered 

what it was.   She attached a small card which explained how to heat it up.
The first time I used it on my sore back I was in love.
You heat it in the microwave, on high for 2 to 3 minutes

When you take it out, it will be hot.  Hot and moist!
It's the moisture that really makes the difference

They are simple, inexpensive to make and easy to use.

What you'll need: 

Scrap Fabric, sewing machine, rice.

With a rotary cutter or scissors - measure and cut out two rectangular pieces

( Two recommended sizes are  7"x10"  or my favorite  6"x14") 

I prefer the narrow and longer size because it's easier to wrap around my neck

and fits perfectly across my lower back

Pin right sides together and sew, leaving a small opening at the top

trim off each of the four corners, being careful not to cut the seam

Then turn right side out.

Take several pieces of paper and roll them into a funnel. 

Insert the paper funnel into the opening of the bag

Fill with rice

I like to fill mine only about 1/2 full.  Don't fill it more than 3/4 full

or it will not be moldable or as easy to use

Sew the opening closed either by hand, or with a sewing machine. 

You're done!  I made four heating pads with covers in 30 minutes!

I figure they cost about $1.50 each!   

* Option - to make a cover, cut two more pieces- 2 inches larger in with and height - than the actual bag.   Sew 3 sides together and hem the opening.   Now you have a washable cover.   

* I found several references on the internet, recommending using beans instead of rice for the filling.  I tried both.   The beans when heated give off a strong bean smell,  The rice doesn't.  I prefer the rice. 

An added bonus to this gift, is the receiver with think about the giver, each time they use it.

I know I think about my friend and her kindness each time I use mine!