Photo © Terri Mauro

School is back in session - yippee! Time to cover those precious books. Here’s an easy, step by step template for paper or paper bags from About.com. If you’re crafty with glue or sewing machine, you can also use this as a basic fabric pattern - a fabric with some spandex in it would be perfect! But don’t stop there - match the fabric or paper to your personality!

If the fear of knitting needles and learning intricate jargon such as, “Knit one, pearl two,” kept you from hooking up with the latest knitting craze, The Butterfly Loom has the perfect, no-fail, you-can-do-it product: The Magic Board. The Magic Board is a hand held, easy-as-pie weaver, made of rigid wood to produce different knitting and crocheting results without a lick of traditional knitting or crocheting involved.

Using The Butterfly Loom’s unique Wrap & Knot”© technique, The Magic Board can be used to create afghans, throws, rugs, jackets, bags, scarves, ponchos, purses and much more, with a variety of yarns – everything from Kid Mohair to Wooltops – with no knitting or crocheting experience. Available in five sizes from small to large and even rectangle shapes, the design of the board allows even the sight impaired and those with handicaps or arthritis to easily create fabulous knitted crafts with minimal effort and zero frustration.

“The Magic Board is truly addictive and just plain fun,” said owner and inventor Carolyn Jenner. “It’s unbelievable how quickly you can produce an actual knitted piece. And absolutely anyone – from children to grandparents of any age, any skill level – can use the product with great success.” Available for purchase online at www.thebutterflyloom.com, The Butterfly Loom’s web site also offers how-to demonstrations and inspirational “we-did-it” images from crafters around the world. About: Created in 2001, The Magic Board has appeared on DIY TV and on the hit show Big Brother in which 960 squares were created in 3 days and joined together to make a 9ft square Afghan.

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Posted by the Crafty Folks at Anna Bella Fine Stationery.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the new Lotta Jansdotter Simple Sewing Book, you really must. I checked mine out from the library, but you can purchase a copy a jansdotter.com. The book is filled with simple patterns from a kitchen towels and aprons to a wall organizer and checkbook covers. I like the all-day tote, the wall-mounted magazine holder, the tool roll organizer, the curtain with pockets and all the bag patterns. All the projects are rated according to the level of difficulty with projects ranging from level 1 to level 4. The instructions are easy to understand and there are even patterns included in the book. I love Lotta’s simple yet sophisticated patterns and I think you will too. You can shop Lotta’s finished designs in her shop and see some of my favorites below.

I went looking for some cool ideas for making fabric flowers as embellishments for this bag I am making. So far, all I’ve done is bought the pattern and the fabric, but at least those are steps in the right direction to getting the project completed. I came across this great tutorial on Wise Craft for fabric flowers and it seems really simple and I the the fluttery effect of the flowers.

Super easy pillow craft idea from Shari of Bonnin Designs.  She came up with the idea of using a two-sided placement a quick sew way to make your own decorative toss pillows.  I love a good a good shortcut and I just may use this one as my homemade holiday gifts.

I discovered Purl Soho in this month’s issue of ReadyMade and I’ve believe I have a new obsession…looking at fabrics for projects that I will never have time to start let alone complete. My latest plan is to get the One For All Shoulder Bag Pattern from Betsy Ross and this adorable fabric from Purl Soho. I’ll let you know if it happens.

Make your own custom Moleskine cover using this great tutorial from Keyka Lou. I gave my husband a Moleskine for Xmas and now for his birthday I can give him a gift made with love.

I was looking for places online to purchase fabric ribbon and I thought I would share my finds with you.

* jcaroline creative - I ended up ordering about $20 worth of ribbon from here for a couple of new products I’m designing for Tilting Swiftly

* Les’ Bon Ribbon

* M & J Trimming

* ReproDepot

Thanks to Jennifer, Sue, Jenifer, Nicole, and AJ for helping a crafty girl out.

I love these Folkwear Patterns that are available at Cheap Threads. Folkwear is an independent, women-owned company that was started in the 1970s. Popular with theatre groups and vintage wearers alike, Folkwear offers a variety of vintage, historical and ethic styles. Whether the 1940’s is your thing, you want to create your own Edwardian Bridal Gown, or you need a Navajo blouse and skirt Folkwear has the patterns you need.

Cheap Threads carries a selection of vintage Folkwear patterns, including a Fifties Flair Dress, the Glamour Girl Dress, and the Tango Dress among others. Cheap Threads also carries Betsy Ross, Amy Butler, and Sublime Stitching patterns. You can also pick of great fabrics and notions as well.

Want to make this cute little Zippered Pouch with a handy clear plastic outside pocket? I sure do, and for us sewing challenged of the world, Lisa of U-handbag has a great tutorial on her site.