A Storm is Brewing!

A storm is brewing this winter... 

Lately I find a little crochet is a relaxing way to end my day, and sit, non-idly, in front of reality TV. To offset my yarning habit, I've been selling my scarves and accessories at local farmers markets. I'm hoping the ensuing snap of cold winter weather will bring out the scarf-buying crowd!

For those who are taking too much time thinking about crochet, and not doing crochet, I'll just say this: I've learned a lot -- most of what I know -- from YouTube videos! There are many, many how-to videos you can find. Here is one channel I subscribe to: http://www.youtube.com/user/bobwilson123

Canned soup for dinner? Oh, yes!

What a splendid idea! Read all about how to do it right here on the Farm Girl Trails blog:

farmgirltails.blogspot.com/2012/01/layered-chicken-soup.html

This idea comes to you via the Petaluma East Side Farmers Market Facebook Page.

DIY Cell Pone Case

This simple project caught my eye and I had to share ~ an easy and fun way to add personality to your iPhone. 

Here are a few other ideas for what to use around the house for this project:

Photos
Scraps of paper
Wrapping paper
Comic strips
Paperback covers
Old book pages
Wallpaper
Quilting fabric

Click here for the full article and instructions at CraftyEndeavor.com.
 

Flip-Flop Organizer

What a great way to keep your flip-flops in order in the closet. This DIY wonder only requires a few metal clothes hangers and a pair of needle-nose wire cutters. Paint and ribbon are optional.

Click here for the website showing actual instructions.

Here are a few other suggestions for decorating this hanger:
• Use floral tape to wrap the wire
• Tie bow with ribbon around the neck of the hanger
• Glue a small wooden ball to cap the end instead of curling the wire at the end

Crochet a Linen Grocery Tote

I've been crocheting a lot lately, and have been keeping my eye out for a tutorial for a nice crochet grocery tote. Well, this one by Pearl Soho fits the bill. Get creative and make this with linen or cotton yarn in any color you like! Get the Tutorial here:
http://www.purlbee.com/crocheted-linen-grocery-tote

Stress Begone the SF Etsy Way

I was reading today's blog post on the SF Etsy Team blog, and thought, "Too bad I don't have a bathtub!" But for those of you who do, follow this tutorial for how to make soothing bath bombs yourself, and de-stress you and your loved ones!

Get the Bath Bomb Tutorial from SF Etsy Street Team Here

Upcycled T-shirt Rug

"Heather, should I keep this t-shirt?" 

"Noooooo! Look at all those holes!" 

"Yes, keep it, and then make me a rug!"

I know there are many, many things one can do with a t-shirt, but they usually get thrown out before they have a chance to become something else. Thanks to DIY Life, I found a link that took me to Xoelle.com, where I found a tutorial for these soft shaggy t-shirt rugs. With your imagination - and I know you have one - you can create latch hook rugs with multicolored scraps, solids, shades of one a color... I think this has to take the cake for creating something really functional and wonderfully satisfying out of a shameful shirt. Kids and people of all ages can enjoy this project.

Get the Tutorial from Xoelle.com Here

Supplies needed / approximate cost
Latch hook: $3
Latch hook canvas: $6 or more depending on size wanted
Fabric dye if needed: $2 per box
T-shirts: $0 or more depending on your source/thrift shop
(see tutorial link for number of shirts needed) 
Cheat if you must
If you are desperate, you can buy yardage of jersey knit fabric, dye it, and cut into strips. This of course means you are not making an 'upcycled' project, but no doubt you will still be satisfied.