smocking tutorial

My mom used to make smocked dresses for us when we were little girls.  I think there's even a funny story about her writing a note to my aunt and my cousin reading it shocked that her aunt had taken up smoking (smoking/smocking - looks and seems to sound the same when your a kid.)

I remember her having some type of machine to create the smocked material, but I think this handmade version looks fun to try especially for something like pillows or a bag.

create your own notepads

One of my favorite projects to do growing up was create notepads so I was excited when this jar of padding compound arrived in the mail this week.  It's the "glue" you use to bind all the sheets of paper together into a notepad.  Unfortunately, it'll have to sit for a few weeks untouched while I'm out of town.  When I get back though...notepads, notepads and more notepads.

bookbinding

I have a friend who can make amazing things with paper likes books and journals and boxes. While I'd definitely like to learn how to make a book myself from scratch, I think these premade text blocks from Paper Source are the perfect way to at least get me started.

crochet dress

I'd love to crochet this dress for my little girl.  Find the how-to here.

the purl bee

I love to visit the purl bee for sewing, knitting, crocheting ideas.  It's full of project ideas and basic tutorials that are easy to follow.  And now you don't have to go to NYC to shop at Purl and Purl Patchwork, visit them online!

custom fabric

If you've always wanted to design your own fabric, check out Spoonflower.  Unfortunately, it's still in beta mode so for now you have to be invited.  I've seen some great fabrics and projects created with custom Spoonflower fabric. I'd love to try it.

diamond glaze magnets

Once again, I love diamond glaze.  I can't wait to try these magnets from Amy Karol who also wrote one of my favorite sewing books.