Marshas crafty to do list - An introduction

I am always on the hunt for new things to make, new techniques to try out and oddities to create. Finding free patterns is always very satisfying. Here are my favourites from this week to go on the "To do list".

This is the first instalment of a regular feature on my revamped blog. Enjoy!




1. Gloria, the Gymnast
I suspect this is a creation from the same people who came up with Knitted Icons, a fantastic Pattern book I am lucky enough to own. (Ever thought about knitting the Beatles, Andy Warhol or Che Guevara? You'll find the pattern there). Gloria is an excerpt from "Olympknits", 10 knitting patterns to make your own athletes. And the best thing is, Glorias pattern is FREE! Check it out on http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/craft_project/






2. Wedding favour Seed packets
Aren't they romantic? And they definitely beat the sugared almonds... Secretely planning a possibly/maybe future wedding I thought of making my own jam and giving it as favours with the label "Spread the love" but these adorable babies are a very strong competition...

http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2012/03/project_wedding_favor_seed_pac.html#more



3. Make a pendant out of coins, stones and other roundish shapes
I love working with wire, its so versatile and can look very delicate on your finished project. I make a lot of jewellery, experiment a lot myself and on my educational journey through wire weaving land I have come across this website which explains chainmaille, an ancient technique which I will definitely have to learn. To begin with this tutorial shows you how to make a pendant out of a stone which hasn't got a hole. I think it looks fabulous!

http://www.mailleartisans.org/articles/articledisplay.cgi?key=21008



4. Sex up your tee shirts
I don't know about you but in my opinion the price of clothes has gone up and the quality has gone down. As a result I find it very hard to find nice clothes. I am learning to make my own cloths but think this is an option as well. You get a cheap plain top, add some sparklers and voila! look a million dollars on a penny budget.

http://www.simplicity.com/t-how-to-embellish-tee.aspx

5. A-Line skirt with no zip or buttons
Back to that Making your own clothes thing this looks very pretty and I really like the sash. The tutorial looks a tad complicated but once you've read through it, it all becomes rather straight forward.
Quite fancy for a free pattern!

http://www.themotherhuddle.com/tutorial-simple-a-line-skirt-no-zippers-no-buttons/




And last but not least my alternative choice

6. The Crafters end of Days kit
Featured on one of my absolute favourite crafters Websites, The Anticraft, this kit will help you to get through any alien or zombie attack. This kit includes essential items such as a torch, plasters, a camera, wool and thread snippers. Good Luck!

http://theanticraft.com/archive/lugh07/endofdays.htm

Revived and revamped I am returning to the world of blog. What started out as an outlet for my uneducated opinions will from now on be my little contribution to the world of part time crafters. I will share my latest findings, creations and the occassional free pattern with you, my interested readers.

 I have spent the past year working my little cotton socks off researching, learning and crafting for my one woman business "Pear Tree Cottage". Its all Marias fault. My sister in law encouraged me to sell my creations (which until then were exclusively for friends and family in gift form) and when I sold my first pair of earrings, it was a done deal. The satisfaction of a stranger willing to pay for your creation (without feeling obliged to do so) is second to none.

I also want to hear from other crafters who are trying to make it in the harsh world of business, hear about your experiences and maybe share some business tips?

And, this time next year, we will be millionaires!

(In the meantime, check out www.folksy.com/shops/peartreecottage)