free pattern . . .

 . . . and a chance to help a child in Haiti.  Wait, now that I have you hooked with the lure of a free pattern, keep reading.  You might be inspired to make a difference in the life of a child.  (I'm so inspired that I'm using my lunch time to type this post, and I really cherish my lunch time!) 

If you've been reading along on my little blog, you may remember a post I wrote following the earthquake in Haiti.  (Click here for a refresher.)  The problems in Haiti are still beyond our comprehension, but I've heard amazing stories about how people like you and me are finding ways to help - even from afar.  An average-sized church in our area collected upwards of $30,000 for Haiti relief.  An elementary school put together 60 hygiene kits for people who need basic supplies like toothbrushes and soap.  Families from our community donated supplies for babies - blankets, cloth diapers, sleepers, etc. 

Today, I'm inspired by Sarah Hanson at Dolly Donations who has come up with an amazingly simple way to make a difference in the lives of orphans.  Check out her blog - Dolly Donations.  (Picture from her blog.)  Sarah is asking volunteers to craft very simple dolls from a super simple (and free) pattern she provides (that can basically be made entirely from scrap fabric) so that these dolls may be sent to Haitian orphans impacted by the earthquake. 

Here's our chance to help in a simple but tangible way.  If you have your grandma's sewing machine in the basement, drag it out and sew a doll.  If you are working on a project, take a break and sew a doll.  If you have never sewn anything in your life but your friend has a sewing machine, stop by her/his (hey, guys can sew too) house and sew a doll.  If you just started sewing a year ago; you are trying to make all your kids' Christmas presents before next December; and you are writing a blog about it, sew a doll.  (Hmmm . . . that last one seems vaguely familiar.)  Basically, what I'm trying to say is . . . sew a doll.

Craft on!

two more free patterns/projects: a skirt and a tie

I've been thinking about trying my hand a some clothing for my girls.  At first, I was thinking it would be fun (you know, fun as in torture) to make them each a spring/Easter dress.  Then I started looking at the Molly Monkey pattern (see previous post).  I realized if I can't even follow this pattern without googling every other word, I'm pretty sure sewing children's clothing is off limits . . . for now at least.  Then I came across these directions for sewing a child's skirt.  This looks like an easy peasy skirt . . . something even I could make . . . maybe . . . well, probably not, but it's worth a shot.

I'm not including this in my list of twelve crafts till Christmas because it's more of a spring skirt.  Hopefully, I can make two between now and Easter.  This will be a fun (fun as in actually fun) little gift to include in their Easter baskets.

I can get too focused on craft/sewing gifts for girls.  However, here's a shout out to all of you with little boys in your life . . . check out this sweet little tie pattern/project from Molly at purlbee.com.  (Picture from purlbee.com.)  She says that you don't even need a sewing machine to make this tie.  Woo hoo!  You could include this in his Easter basket instead of the skirt.  Of course, if you wanted to include the skirt, I'm not going to stop you.  :)  This is just another option.  

So enjoy two more free patterns . . . fun weekend projects for those of you who will be stuck inside because of the weather.   

Craft on! 

and i present . . . the eleventh craft till christmas!

I'm slightly nervous but excited to try my hand at this Molly Monkey pattern for February's craft of the month.  As is my custom, I made my decision without actually thinking it through completely or reading the pattern instructions.  Once I printed out the pattern and took a glance at the instructions, I started getting cold feet.  There are lots of abbreviations and a few words I will be looking up.  I know they publish English to Spanish translation books.  Someone should make an English to sewing translation book because sometimes I sense that people who sew aren't talking my language.  I had the opportunity to spend about three months in China some time ago, and I honestly felt like I understood Cantonese better than I understand sewing-speak. 

I would love to have one of you join me in this project.  Please!  I will definitely need a fellow traveler on this bumpy journey into the world of Molly Monkey making.  E-mail me at lizbeth694@aol.com if you are interested.  

Here are the links to Molly Monkey at mmmcrafts and Mikey Monkey.  Another free pattern . . . woo hoo!  Molly is a full pattern, but Mikey is simply Larissa's variation on the Molly pattern to make it more boy-friendly.  Take a look and let me know if you will be sewing up a Molly or Mikey this month.

Craft on!

enjoy this pattern freebee

Tonight I will be posting about my craft for the month of February, but first I want to give you a heads up about this great free pattern for strawberry felt food.  Making felt food is one of those crafts on my hope-to-do-this-year list.  It looks tedious and fun all at the same time.  I'm a glutton for punishment, and I like free stuff.  (This comes from my parents who pretty much paid for our childhood trip to Disneyland by making us eat only Cheerios for a year and collecting the box tops for a Disneyland ticket promotion.)  In my search for free felt food patterns, I found this freebee offered by Bugga Bugs to those who sign up for their mailing list.  They promise not to sell your e-mail address, and you can remove yourself from the mailing list at any time.  Just click on the words "strawberry felt food" above and you will find yourself magically transported to the link where you can sign up for their mailing list.  You may have to wait a few days for them to e-mail it to you because they only update their mailing list once a week.  Enjoy your so-yummy-looking-you-could-almost-eat-it strawberries.  (I like to use dashes to make really long words.  Another thing I got from my parents . . . just kidding mom and dad!)

Craft on!