FaveCrafts

1000s of free craft projects, home decor ideas and DIY tips

  • About
  • Holidays
    • 4th of July
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Father’s Day
    • Halloween
    • Mother’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Seasonal Crafts
  • Projects
    • DIY
      • Advice, Tips, & Tricks
      • Gifts
      • Photography
      • Wearable Crafts
      • Pet Crafts
      • Clay
      • Candles and Soap
    • Full Project Tutorials
    • Green Crafting
      • Thrifty Crafts
    • Home Decor and Design
      • Woodcrafts
      • Kitchen Crafts
      • Garden Crafts
      • Painting
    • Jewelry Making
    • Kids Crafts Projects
    • Needlecrafts
      • Embroidery
      • Felt
      • Sewing
      • Quilting
    • Organization
    • Paper Crafts
      • Cards
      • drawing
      • Mixed Media Art
      • Scrapbooking
    • Pop Culture
    • Wedding Crafts
    • Yarn
      • Crochet
      • Knitting
  • Newsletter
  • Giveaways

How FaveCrafts Celebrated Our 10 Year Anniversary

July 15, 2019 by FaveCrafts

2019 marks 10 years that FaveCrafts has been online, and what a joy it has been! Over the years we’ve worked with hundreds of bloggers to share wonderful crafts and inspiration for readers like you. To celebrate, we partnered with the Craft Yarn Council‘s charity Warm Up America! to collect gloves and mittens for those in need. Learn a bit more about our celebration below!

FaveCrafts turned 10 in 2019. To celebrate, we partnered with Warm Up America! to run a Gloves and Mittens Charity Drive. This pattern was created for the promotion by Alex Halsey from withalexofficial.com and can be found here.

We Asked the Craft Yarn Council What They Needed

The Craft Yarn Council is a nonprofit that sponsors a wide range of promotional and educational programs, including its highly acclaimed Certified Instructors Program, Discover Knit and Crochet classes, and its popular I Love YARN Day event (the second Friday in October). You can learn more about them at their website, craftyarncouncil.com. Their charity, Warm Up America!, accepts donations of knit and crocheted items year round for those in need. When asked, they said their biggest need at this time is for gloves and mittens!

Easy Peasy Crochet Fingerless Gloves pattern by Shawn Mosch of Crafty Chic's Blog
Easy Peasy Crochet Fingerless Gloves pattern by Shawn Mosch of Crafty Chic’s Blog. View the pattern here.

We opened up the charity drive to include crocheted and knit sections as well, suggesting that after fiber artists finished whipping up a pair of mittens, they could use the leftover yarn to create 7×9″ sections. These sections are later seamed together by WUA! volunteers to make warm afghans.

The FaveCrafts Afghan 7x9" Section by Sarah Zimmerman
This 7×9″ section pattern was designed by Sarah Zimmerman of Repeat Crafter Me.

Sarah Zimmerman of Repeat Crafter Me designed a new crochet pattern that donors could use to make the sections. Not only did she design individual sections, but she created…

The FaveCrafts Afghan

The FaveCrafts Afghan
The FaveCrafts Afghan, by Sarah Zimmerman. You can view this pattern at RepeatCrafterMe.com here, or at FaveCrafts.com here.

We were so fortunate to work with three designers for this promotion. Sarah Zimmerman from Repeat Crafter Me designed The FaveCrafts Afghan, comprised of crocheted 7×9″ sections that can be donated to Warm Up America! Alexandra Halsey of With Alex created a gorgeous beginner-friendly mittens pattern:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxIFLOThJ8L/

And Shawn Mosch of Crafty Chic’s Blog created a lovely fingerless mitts pattern tied off with a ribbon:

View this post on Instagram

Join me and @favecrafts in celebrating their 10 year anniversary. #favecrafts #favecrafs10

A post shared by Shawn Mosch (@shawnmosch71) on May 1, 2019 at 5:14am PDT

Check out more of the lovely Instagram posts about our charity drive at https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/favecraftsturns10/

We Made Sections at the Office

Several of the editors at Prime Publishing crochet and knit, but many of us are beginners, so gloves are a bit beyond our skill level! In order to still participate in the charity drive, we organized an in-office event for editors to learn how to knit or crochet their own sections.

Toby Teaches Morgan How to Knit
AllFreeKnitting Editor Toby teaches FaveCrafts Editor Morgan how to begin the pattern.
RecipeLion Editor Kristin and AllFreeCrochet Editor Laura begin their sections.
Kristi, Rachel, Dana, and Leith Making Sections
AllFreeKnitting Editor Kristi, Managing Editor Rachel, FaveCrafts Editor Dana, and special guest Leith making sections.

You’ll notice the special guest in our photo above—Leith! The day we hosted our party happened to also be Bring Your Child to Work Day, so Leith had the opportunity to learn how to crochet with us.

FaveCrafts 10 Year Anniversary Charity Drive
FaveCrafts Editor Dana teaches Leith how to crochet.

Warm Up America! Collected Over 800 Knit and Crocheted Items

Our Gloves and Mittens Charity Drive ran from May 1-June 30, 2019. We are pleased to announce that Warm Up America! collected:
202 Pairs of Gloves and Mittens
606 Sections

It’s Not Too Late to Get Involved

Did you miss our charity drive? Warm Up America! accepts donations year round. Check out their current needs and follow them on Facebook to see their latest requests! And, if you don’t have time to make something, you can always make a financial donation to Warm Up America!

Filed Under: Craft Charities Tagged With: charities, Craft Charities, craft charity, craft donations, crochet for charity, donations, Favecrafts, FaveCraftsBlog, knitting and crochet, knitting for charity

Charity Quilts: Sew a Little Love

February 25, 2014 by FaveQuilts

Making a quilt for a family member or a friend is one of the most thoughtful gifts that you can give. So much care, thought, skill and love goes into every stitch. Not to mention all the planning and calculations required. (Luckily, FaveQuilts has tons of techniques and video tutorials to help you make those processes a snap! Whether you’re a beginner looking for insider secrets or an old pro who just needs help getting that fabric stash organized, we have you covered.)

Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to have someone who can make them that sort of long-lasting gift, and when the weather gets rough, those people are often left out in the cold. With a long spring and summer coming up, consider putting aside a little time to make a quilt for those in need. Don’t know where to start? FaveQuilts has put together a list of amazing quilting charities that can help you get those blankets where they’ll do the most good. These are just some of the hundreds of great organizations out there, so be sure to take a look around your local community and see what people are doing in your own backyard!

Styled and Sashed Modern Garden Quilt

1. The AIDS Memorial Quilt Memorial & the NAMES Project Foundation

From their website: Established in 1987, The NAMES Project Foundation is the international NGO (non-governmental organization) that is the custodian of The AIDS Memorial Quilt, an official American treasure.

The mission of The NAMES Project Foundation is to preserve, care for and use The AIDS Memorial Quilt to foster healing, heighten awareness, and inspire action in the age of AIDS. Specifically, The NAMES Project works to display The Quilt in nearly 1,000 venues each year, to conserve and care for the aging 54-ton tapestry and it’s half a million piece archive, and to encourage and support the creation of new Quilt panels for this ever-evolving handmade memorial.

Log Cabin Baby Quilt2. Quilts for Kids

From their website: Our goal is simple: to provide comfort to children in need through the gift of a handmade patchwork quilt. With the help of volunteer quilters we are distributing our quilts to children’s hospitals and shelters across North America. Quilts for Kids, Inc. has now spread to over 100 chapters throughout North America. If we can lessen the suffering of children by showing them that they are loved, then we have reached our goal.

3. Project Linus

From their website: Our mission is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.” We also seek to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.

Fuss Free Rag Quilt4. Binky Patrol

From their website: We are an all volunteer, national, non-profit organization making and distributing homemade blankets to children born HIV+, drug-addicted, infected with AIDS or other chronic & terminal illnesses, those who are abused, in foster care or experiencing trauma of any kind. Our recipients are from 0-18.

5. Wrap Them in Love

From their website: Our mission is to collect donated quilts and distribute them to children around the world, so they can be wrapped in love and comfort. As we all know, a quilt is a very special thing. It isn’t just a blanket; it has been lovingly created by a real person. A quilter leaves a part of themselves in every quilt they make. The child who receives it will be able to snuggle up in all the love that comes in that quilt.

Easy Quilts for Beginners and Beyond: 14 Quilt Patterns from Quiltmaker MagazineWhile you’re at it…Sew a little love with Easy Quilts for Beginners and Beyond: 17 Quilt Patterns from Quiltmaker Magazine!

Need a pattern to make for that charity quilt? The best way to improve one’s quilting skills is by trying new techniques and ways to use the basics in creative ways the patterns in Easy Quilts for Beginners and Beyond: 14 Quilt Patterns from Quiltmaker Magazine can show you just how easy this is. Beginners and experienced quilters are in for a treat with this series of easy quilt patterns that the simple cuts and shapes quilters are familiar with, and skillfully turn them into impressive designs that are sure to impress with their intricate looks.

We are giving away this book absolutely free until February 25, 2014! Enter to win and get started on your next project, be it for charity or for yourself!

Filed Under: Link Love Tagged With: Craft Charities, FaveQuilts, Free Quilt Patterns, Mollyhall Seeley, Newborn, sewing for charity

There’s Still Time! Newborns In Need Charity Drive + Giveaway

September 6, 2013 by AllFreeKidsCrafts

newborns-in-need-drive-squareOn August 19th, 2013, AllFreeKidsCrafts revealed exciting news: we are running a Newborns in Need Charity Drive with Red Heart Yarn. Luckily, there is still time to participate in this heart-warming event. All you need to do to participate is donate one of the approved items, and you’ll automatically be entered to win the Red Heart Yarn Anne Geddes Prize Pack.

I hope you’re holding on to your hats because I’m about to show you what this incredible prize pack includes:

 

  • newborns-in-need-drive-prize1 ball of each color of Anne Geddes Yarn
  • 1 set of Size 8 tipping points needles
  • 1 bamboo crochet hook
  • 1 red heart thread cutter pendant
  • 1 Crochet Today Magazine
  • 1 Knitting Made Easy book
  • 1 Crochet Made Easy book
  • 1 RH Tote Bag

Whether you’re crafting or purchasing items for newborns, please make sure to follow these specifications:

  • All crafted and purchased items must feel soft and be washable.
  • If handmade and needs to be washed, it must be washed in fragrant-free baby detergent and, quickly after drying, sealed in a plastic bag.
  • If crocheting, do not use a pattern that produces large holes.
  • No ties are permitted on anything, including clothes and bibs.
  • Do not use yellow, gray, or dark colors. Please use baby pastels- pink, white, blue, light green, and lavender.
  • The items must come from a smoke-free household.
  • Note: Newborns in Need is not currently asking for hats of any kind.
  • Optional Free Sewing Patterns
  • Optional Free Crochet Patterns
  • Optional Free Knit Patterns
  • Optional Purchased Items

We have a wonderful collection of donations so far; add yours to the bunch!

nin-donated-items

To donate your hats just send them to the address provided:

Prime Publishing
AllFreeKidsCrafts Newborns In Need Charity Drive
3400 Dundee Rd #220
Northbrook, IL 60062

If you are kind enough to participate then please read the specifications (or see above) for the donations. This charity drive goes until September 16, 2013. September 16 is the LAST DAY to donate, so we will allow one week for you to ship them to us after that date.  Grab your materials, and let’s get charitable!

Are you donating crafted or purchased goods?

 

Filed Under: Craft Charities Tagged With: Craft Charities, crafting with kids, crochet for charity, giveaway, giveaways, knitting for charity, Newborns in Need Charity Drive, sewing for charity

Newborn Charity Drive + Win Red Heart Yarn Prize Package

August 19, 2013 by AllFreeKidsCrafts

newborns-in-need-drive-images AllFreeKidsCrafts is extremely excited to announce our Newborns in Need Charity Drive. We have partnered with your favorite yarn brand, Red Heart, to make sure that precious newborns don’t go without. Newborns in Need is a charity that donates care necessities to ill, impoverished, or premature newborns.

Craft for a cause with our Newborns in Need Charity Drive. This drive, which will run from August 19th until September 16th, calls for crafted and/or purchased items that will help newborns stay comfortable.

Once the drive is complete, all of the donated items will be given to Newborns in Need. Before that exciting donation, one winner will randomly be chosen to win the incredible Red Heart Anne Geddes Yarn prize pack. Every single item that you donate will count as one entry, so be sure to include a slip with your name and email address with your donated items.

newborns-in-need-drive-prize

One lucky winner will get:
1 ball of each color of Anne Geddes Yarn
1 set of Size 8 tipping points needles
1 bamboo crochet hook
1 red heart thread cutter pendant
1 Crochet Today Magazine
1 Knitting Made Easy book
1 Crochet Made Easy book
1 RH Tote Bag

 

Enter to win this amazing yarn prize package, compliments of Red Heart, by donating a purchased or crafted item! Simply send us your donation, and we will take care of the rest!

When making/purchasing your newborn necessities please follow these specifications:

  • All crafted and purchased items must feel soft and be washable. If handmade and needs to be washed, it must be washed in fragrant-free baby detergent and, quickly after drying, sealed in a plastic bag.
  • If crocheting, do not use a pattern that produces large holes.
  • No ties are permitted on anything, including clothes and bibs.
  • Do not use yellow, gray, or dark colors. Please use baby pastels- pink, white, blue, light green, and lavender.
  • The items must come from a smoke-free household.

Options to Craft

An Easy Way to Help: Cut fleece in the proper size (from 30 to 36″ square), and then use a skip blade around the border, producing tiny holes. Then, crochet a border of your choice around it.

Other Choices:

  • Free Sewing Patterns
  • Free Crochet Patterns
  • Free Knitting Patterns

Options to Purchase

  • Flannel or Fleece Receiving blankets
  • Sleepers
  • Baby wash- unscented
  • Pacifiers
  • Bottles
  • Outfits for the newborn- sleepers
  • Diaper bags or tote bags

For a full list of items to craft or purchase, rules, and more, visit our Newborns in Need Charity Drive page.

Please ship your donated items to:

Prime Publishing
AllFreeKidsCrafts Newborns In Need Drive
3400 Dundee Rd #220
Northbrook, IL 60062

Please help spread the word about this amazing opportunity to donate items to newborns in need.

Will you be donating?

If so, leave a comment below and tell us about it!

Filed Under: Craft Charities Tagged With: charities, Craft Charities, knitting for charity, Newborns in Need Charity Drive, sewing for charity

DIY Jewelry Drive: Results and Winner Announcement!

April 3, 2013 by AllFreeJewelryMaking

We all know the age old adage, “It is greater to give than to receive,” but the past two months you’ve all proved it to be true with your generous donations to our DIY jewelry drive! We here at AllFreeJewelryMaking.com have been collecting charitable handmade jewelry donations on behalf of the Women’s Shelter Jewelry Project from readers, fans, and anyone who wished to get involved, and we’ve been blown away by your astounding generosity (as well as your impressive jewelry making skills and creativity!).

We collected hundreds of donated accessories from readers across the country that will now be sent to the Women’s Shelter Jewelry Project to be distributed among various women’s shelters. The pieces you have all so kindly contributed will be going to women in need who have often arrived at these shelters with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Your handmade jewelry will be a bit of light in a time of darkness and will help them in beginning to build a better future for themselves.

We can’t thank you all enough for helping us to help these women! Having never run a charity drive like this before, we weren’t sure what to expect and didn’t know if we’d receive  more than a few donated pieces. However, we are happy to report that we have received hundreds of gorgeous handmade pieces of jewelry to send to the Women’s Shelter Jewelry Project thanks to your generosity. We couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you, and we are incredibly grateful.

We gave you a look at some of the handmade pieces we had received last month in this update blog post. Now let’s take a look at all of the beautiful pieces we have received since then!

Donation14Donation15Donation16Donation17Donation18Donation19Donation20Donation21Donation22 Donation23 Donation24Donation25Donation30 Donation26 Donation27 Donation28 Donation29Donation34 Donation31 Donation32 Donation33

Pretty fabulous, huh? We certainly think so! OK, and now the moment you’ve all been waiting for: the winner announcement! Part of the deal was that each person who donated at least one piece to the DIY jewelry drive would be entered for a chance to win an ImpressArt Metal Stamping Kit, complete with all the tools and supplies needed to get started making stamped jewelry and other crafts. From all the people who sent in a donation, we have selected one winner at random, and the winner is…

Susan B. from Lockport, NY!

Congratulations, Susan! You are the lucky winner of the ImpressArt Metal Stamping Kit. We will be contacting you regarding your prize. Thank you for your beautiful donation!

And thanks again to all who participated. We know the Women’s Shelter Jewelry Project will be so thrilled to receive all these donations for their cause. And remember, our jewelry drive may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get involved! Find out where you can donate locally and keep giving back whenever you can.

If you donate any jewelry to a local shelter and want to share your story, you make a new project you’re particularly proud of, or you just want to chat, be sure to stop by our AllFreeJewelryMaking Facebook page and leave a comment! You can also talk to us on Twitter or Google+; we’d love to hear from you! And if you don’t already, feel free to subscribe to our eNewsletter to receive new jewelry projects as well as find out the details on all our upcoming events, giveaways, and promotions.

What are some ways you like to give back?

 

Filed Under: Craft Charities Tagged With: Craft Charities, craft charity, craft donations, jewelry crafts, Jewelry Making, Kelly Spence

Update: A Look at Our DIY Jewelry Drive Donations So Far!

March 11, 2013 by AllFreeJewelryMaking

Bead for those in need!

All month long, we here at AllFreeJewelryMaking have been asking our readers (and anyone else who wants to get involved) to use their gift of creativity to give back. We have been collecting handmade jewelry donations on behalf of The Women’s Shelter Jewelry Project to help bring a glimmer of hope to the lives of underprivileged women residing in domestic violence shelters and various other shelters. And we’re not done yet!

We are still collecting handmade jewelry donations until March 28th, 2013, at which time we will send all the donated pieces to The Women’s Shelter Jewelry Project to be distributed among various women’s shelters. So far, we have been blown away by the generosity of our amazing readers! We have received a number of packages already, ranging in size from a few pieces to dozens of donated DIY accessories! We cannot thank those of you enough who have already sent in your handmade pieces. We appreciate your generosity, and we know the women who receive your beautiful handmade jewelry will too.

We thought it would be nice to give a little update on the progress of the DIY jewelry drive and let everyone have a look at some of the stunning pieces we’ve received so far. These will certainly bring a bit of light to the lives of these women!

A big thanks to Hattie of SC, Pina of NJ, Adeline of IL, Susan of NY, Joni of SC, L. of KY, Katherine of ID, Susan of MI, Sharon of TX, Janis of SC, Ruthe of NJ, Tracey of MN, and Wendy of RI (whose donations are pictured here in respective order) for their lovely donations! You have each earned your chance to win an ImpressArt Metal Stamping Kit!

Do you want a chance to win an ImpressArt Metal Stamping Kit too? Then send in your handmade jewelry donation by March 28, 2013! All who donate a minimum of one piece of handmade jewelry to the charity drive will be given one entry in the ImpressArt Metal Stamping Kit giveaway; the winner is to be chosen at random. Find additional details and contest rules here.

All donations can be sent to the following address:

Prime Publishing
Women’s Shelter Jewelry Project
3400 Dundee Rd. #220
Northbrook, IL 60062

Please check out this blog post to find additional details, guidelines, and other important information.

Making jewelry brings joy to your own life; use it to bring joy to the lives of others as well by creating for a good cause! We can’t wait to see what you make!

Will you be donating a piece to the DIY jewelry drive?

 

Filed Under: Craft Charities Tagged With: beading, Craft Charities, craft charity, craft donations, DIY jewelry, Jewelry Making

Beading for Charity! Donate to Our DIY Jewelry Drive

February 7, 2013 by AllFreeJewelryMaking

So you love to spend your time beading, but you’re already up to your elbows in bracelets, and all your family and friends are drowning in the DIY jewelry you’ve gifted them over the years? Use your creativity for a good cause by beading for charity! During the months of February and March, 2013, AllFreeJewelryMaking will be collecting finished DIY jewelry creations from beaders like you who want to use their gift to give back. Help us to help others by donating your hand-crafted jewelry creations!

 

By contributing your finished pieces to our jewelry drive, you’ll be helping bring a bit of joy to the lives of women in need. We will be sending all the DIY jewelry we collect to The Women’s Shelter Jewelry Project, a program sponsored by the Seattle Metals Guild that has been donating to those who need it most for almost 15 years now. The Women’s Shelter Jewelry Project collects old jewelry that is not being worn and then sorts, cleans, and fixes the jewelry to make wearable new pieces for underprivileged women. They then distribute these upcycled pieces to various women’s shelters, such as the Catherine Booth House, a Salvation Army domestic violence shelter, where they are given to women in need. For these women, who often arrive to the shelters with nothing more than the clothes on their backs, the jewelry provides a much needed glimmer of hope.

As jewelry artists and crafters, we know how special a piece of jewelry can make a woman feel. Imagine the satisfaction of knowing your handmade piece was given to one of these less fortunate woman on her birthday, on Christmas, or to be worn to a crucial job interview. Your hand-crafted jewelry can make a difference in someone’s life!

The AllFreeJewelryMaking DIY jewelry drive will run from February 7, 2013, to March 28, 2013. Please send your donated pieces to the address below any time during those dates; be sure to provide your e-mail address along with your donation so that we can get in touch with you if you are our randomly selected winner. Also, please keep in mind we are looking for finished pieces of quality – something these women would be proud to wear.

Please ship your finished jewelry creations to:

Prime Publishing
Women’s Shelter Jewelry Project
3400 Dundee Rd. #220
Northbrook, IL 60062

But wait…

What You Can Win:

All those who donate a handmade piece to the jewelry drive will be entered for a chance to receive an ImpressArt Metal Stamping Kit! Gifted by ImpressArt, the Metal Stamping Kit includes everything you need to get started creating your own gorgeous metal stamped jewelry and other stamped craft creations.

Learn more about the ImpressArt Metal Stamping Kit here.

Important Rules/Guidelines:

  • Only participants located in the U.S. and/or Canada are eligible to win the prize. Participants from other countries may donate but will not be eligible to win the prize.
  • One entry per participant, not per donation. Donating multiple pieces does not secure multiple entries.
  • All eligible donations must be handmade. Store-bought donations will not earn an entry in the prize drawing.
  • Donations must be in by March 28, 2013, to be eligible for an entry in the prize drawing.

So start sending in those pieces! We can’t wait to see what you create!

Need some inspiration to get started? Try one of these jewelry projects (or check out any of the ideas on AllFreeJewelryMaking.com)!

  • Bead and Chain Dangle Earrings
  • Tila Temptation Bracelet
  • Alluring Amber Beaded Bracelet Pattern
  • Classic Pearl Bracelet
  • One Color Wonder Necklace and Earrings
  • Chain and Seed Bead Necklace

 

Have you ever used your craft to give back?

Filed Under: Craft Charities Tagged With: beading, Craft Charities, craft donations, DIY jewelry, jewelry crafts, Jewelry Making

Special Giveaway Announcement from AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns!

June 6, 2012 by AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns

Last week, our friends at AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns launched their very first Charity Blanket Drive! Together, with Red Heart Yarn, AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns is collecting new, handmade, washable blankets to be donated to children in need through Project Linus. Once all the blankets have been collected, one random winner will be selected to win this amazing prize package from Red Heart Yarn!


Included in this prize package is:

  • One (1) large red and black canvas tote bag with the Red Heart Yarn logo.
  • Ten (10) skeins of Red Heart Plush Baby yarn in Kiwi, along with one corresponding crochet baby blanket pattern
  • One (1) package of Susan Bates plastic yarn needles
  • One (1) Susan Bates aluminum crochet hook (size I-9)
  • Six (6) crochet magazines and brochures (including Crochet Today!) full of free tutorials and color photos

Enter to win this amazing gift, compliments of Red Heart Yarn, simply by making a blanket for Project Linus! Once your blanket is completed, send it to us and we will take care of the rest!

Completed blankets can be shipped to us at:

Prime Publishing
Charity Blanket Drive
3400 Dundee Rd #220
Northbrook, IL 60062

The Charity Blanket Drive runs until July 15th. Additional information about Project Linus and AllFreeCrochetAfghan’s Charity Blanket Drive, including important blanket guidelines, can be found here.

Filed Under: Contests & Giveaways Tagged With: Craft Charities, Crochet, Knitting, Project Linus, red heart yarn, yarn

Charity Blanket Drive to Benefit Project Linus!

June 1, 2012 by AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns

Our friends at AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns have a big announcement! They have teamed up with Red Heart Yarns to sponsor a Charity Blanket Drive to benefit Project Linus!

Crocheting for charity is a great way to put your talents to good use. Project Linus is a nationwide organization whose goal is to comfort children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. Just like Charles Schulz’s Linus character from the PEANUTS® comic strip was comforted by his blanket, the idea behind Project Linus is that children who receive donated blankets will be provided with love, a sense of security, warmth, and comfort.

The afghan drive will run from June 1, 2012-July 15, 2012. Once you have completed your blanket, please ship it to us at the address below. We will then hand-deliver your blankets to the Chicagoland chapter of Project Linus. Before doing so, however, we will randomly select one (1) winner to be the recipient of Red Heart Yarns prize package! The details of the prize will be revealed at a later date, but we can promise you that it will be a prize package worth winning!

*UPDATE*

Enter to win this amazing prize package from Red Heart Yarn by donating a blanket to AllFreeCrochetAfghan’s Charity Blanket Drive!

Included in this prize package is:

  • One (1) large red and black canvas tote bag with the Red Heart Yarn logo.
  • Ten (10) skeins of Red Heart Plush Baby yarn in Kiwi, along with one corresponding crochet baby blanket pattern
  • One (1) package of Susan Bates plastic yarn needles
  • One (1) Susan Bates aluminum crochet hook (size I-9)
  • Six (6) crochet magazines and brochures (including Crochet Today!) full of free tutorials and color photos

Enter to win this amazing gift, compliments of Red Heart Yarn, by making a blanket for Project Linus! Once your blanket is completed, simply send it to us and we will take care of the rest!

When making your blanket (knit, crochet, or otherwise), please keep in mind these important guidelines:

  • Keep fabric designs age appropriate. For example, yellow ducks would be perfect for a baby blanket while a college sports theme design would be appropriate for an older child.
  • The blankets must be washable and can be knitted, crocheted, quilted or crafted from fleece.
  • There is always a need for large and unisex blankets. Please consider making a blanket that is appropriate for a girl or a boy.

Recommended Sizes:

  • Mended Little Heart (Receiving Blankets) -36″ x 36″
  • Baby/Toddler-36″ X 36″/36″x43″
  • Preteen-40″ X 60″
  • Teen-50″ X 72″

Please ship your completed blankets to:

Prime Publishing
Charity Blanket Drive
3400 Dundee Rd #220
Northbrook, IL 60062

Have any questions? Please visit the Chicagoland Project Linus homepage, or read their Frequently Asked Questions. Please help spread the word about this amazing opportunity to craft a homemade blanket for a great cause.

Will you be making a blanket for our Charity Blanket Drive? If so, leave a comment below and tell us about it!

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: Craft Charities, crafting, Crochet, crochet for charity, giveaway, Knitting, Project Linus

Haute Couture Crafts at CHA + 14 Wearable Crafts to Make at Home

February 6, 2012 by FaveCrafts

Several of the FaveCrafts editors were lucky enough to attend the Winter 2012 Craft & Hobby Association Trade Show last week at the Anaheim Convention Center (yes, we were right across the street from Disneyland!), and I’d like to share some of the cool, crafty stuff I saw there!  At this show, I was especially impressed by all the wearable crafts I saw. Fashion seemed to be a common theme in the exhibits on the show floor, and I couldn’t help but notice the number of booths that employed mannequins in their displays. Some of the crafty outfits were more pieces of artwork than actual garments, but it was clear that the female form was a serious source of inspiration for soft crafters and hard crafters alike at this show.

The Ranger booth perfectly captured the influence of the runway at this show with a Designer Challenge that tasked crafters with creating a miniature mannequin decorated with Stickles and Liquid Pearls. The results of the challenge showcased a range of styles as varied and unique as the designers themselves. The diminutive fashions ranged from the retro dresses of Sharon Laakonen and Paula Cheney to the steampunk creations of Shari Caroll and Wendy Vecchi.

  

    

The theme of crafts as wearable art continued as I explored the show floor. I’m sure most CHA attendees caught sight of an extremely patient model being decorated with Tulip Body Art in the iLovetoCreate booth at some point during the show. She was hard to miss! Although the paint is marketed primarily for Halloween costumes and carnival-style face painting, the model was showing off the body paint as wearable art.

Some of the crafty outfits I saw at CHA were more works of art than actual garments. This skirt made from broken dishes in the iLovetoCreate booth was one of my favorites. I doubt you could actually wear it (can you imagine how heavy it would be?), but I thought the mosaic of glazed pottery as a fashion statement was very creative!

Likewise, this sparkling floor-length gown and waistcoat made of crystal beads and flowers certainly isn’t something you could wear to your next gala event, but it brought the extravagance of the runway to the CHA show floor. This masterpiece by Connie Tawfick showcases the incredible range of crystals sold by Connie’s Crystals.

Of course, much of the crafty clothes we saw at CHA were more than just wearable art. Particularly in the yarn booths, displays of handmade clothing reminded us that crafting can be just as practical as it is creative. Armies of mannequins in beautiful knit and crocheted garments demonstrated that something as simple as yarn can be used to create functional clothing that’s stylish enough for the fashion magazines. Lion Brand Yarn held a fashion show that featured simple hats, scarves, and afghans alongside inspirational garments made by design students around the world. All of the items on the runway were created with the same Lion Brand yarns that you can find in your local craft store, proving that crafters are only limited by their imaginations when it comes to making clothing! Here are some of my favorite garments from the Lion Brand Yarn showcase (Designers and yarns used, from left to right: Elissa Eriksson, Fishermen’s Wool; Paula Cheng, Fun Fur and Vanna’s Glamour; Kirsty Emery, Wool-Ease Thick & Quick; Kirsty Emery, Silky Twist; Santiago Venegas, Fishermen’s Wool andVanna’s Choice).

    

    

Although I spent at least an hour drooling over the pieces in the yarn booths, I was actually most fascinated by a different sort of crafty fashion at the CHA show. In the FolkArt section of the Plaid booth, I was surprised to find a display of shoes and matching handbags personalized with Extreme Glitter. Before this show, I had never thought seriously about unleashing my crafty talents on my footwear, but the shoe showcase sparked my creativity! Plaid had upcycled accessories for a slew of cultural icons, including Dolly Parton, Marilyn Monroe, and Lady Gaga. Even the demure Princess Kate had a slightly sparkly wedge made in her honor.

    

    

     

So now that I’ve got your creative juices flowing with all of these fashion photos, it’s time to get crafting! I’ve put together a list of tutorials for crafty clothing and accessories you can make at home. Enjoy!

  1. Fleur-de-Lis Bead Paint Tank
  2. Fleur-de-Lis Tee
  3. Charming Hair Flower
  4. DIY Studded Leggings
  5. Painted Scroll Belt
  6. Simply Stenciled Jeans
  7. How to Make Studded Shoes
  8. DIY “Sex in the City” Shoes
  9. Bubblegum Tie Dye Sleeveless Top
  10. Upcycled Ruffle Shirt
  11. DIY Studded Flats
  12. Fashion on a Shoe String
  13. Simple Flats with Rhinestones
  14. Animal Print Tie Dye Dress and Shoes

Have you made any wearable crafts? Do you wear them often?

P.S. Want to win a CHA swag bag? Find out how to enter here.

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: CHA, CHA show, CHA Trade Show, Craft Charities, fashion, Jessica Nichols, wearable, wearable crafts

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Page »

Email Email Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Google Plus RSS

Full Project Tutorials

Project of the Day & Giveaway: April Showers Scarf

  Today’s project comes from AllFreeKnitting and boy is it a beauty!  The April Showers Scarf is a long and elegant accessory that’s perfect for spring time.  Add a splash of color to any outfit using this colorful scarf.  I just love how the lace pattern mimics falling rain drops!   April Showers Scarf Get […]

Categories

Free eBooks

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas with New eBook from FaveCrafts and Red Heart

Thanksgiving is over and the holiday season is now officially here.  Bright lights, red bows, gift-giving and smiling people - the holidays seem to … [Read More...]

Seasonal Crafts

Save money on your Mother’s Day gift

As Mother's Day approaches this upcoming weekend, I still can't seem to decide what to get my mom. With the state of the current ecoonomy, she keeps … [Read More...]

Archives

Crochet

Adorable Granny Square Crochet Scarf Pattern

Adorable Granny Square Scarf + 10 More Uses for Granny Squares

Jewelry

22 Beach Wedding Jewelry Ideas

Knitting

Get Cozy with This Free Knitted Shawl Pattern

Paper

13 of the Most Beautiful Free Printables for Your Home

Sewing

Sew In Love Mug Rug Pattern for Valentine’s Day

Thrifty

Home Decor Dollar Store Craft Ideas

27 Home Decor Dollar Store Craft Ideas

Prime Publishing Craft Group
Copyright © 2023 · FaveCrafts - A Prime Publishing LLC property. All rights reserved.

About Us Advertise Contact Us FAQs Privacy Policy Subscribe Terms of Service Unsubscribe

Copyright © 2023 · Tidy Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in