Here's my attempt at the cozy kitty:


The ears were a little off, but the nice thing is that you can complete in such a short amount of time!

--Simone

Thanks, creatingme. I can't wait to leave work to get home to do this! Seems like you could whip these out super fast.
Exciting!
--Simone

Ugh! These are so cute--it hurts! Does anyone have a similar KNIT version of this pattern? I know everyone says crocheting's easier, but I've never tried!
--Simone

AK,
I think the yarn's so scary that you might not be able to see any other stitches! You can barely tell that it's knit--it's really crazy!

-Simone

I've started making lotsa stuff for the upcoming holidays. One really easy, cheap item I've made is this fuzzy, boa scarf:

It's not a great pic, but it's basically a very long, ultra-fuzzy scarf. The great thing is that it's so inexpensive and quick (took me about 2 one-hour sittings) to make.
Here's what I used:
yarn: Splash brand ($10)
needles: #17
Here's how I made it:
I casted on 10 stitches and just did garter stitch (knit every row) until I got to the length I wanted. It's a little tough to get used to the gigantic needles and the weird yarn, but it's so fast! I even had quite a bit of leftover that I think I'm going to use as cuff yarn for some mittens.
For you Boston-types: I got the yarn at Woolcott in Harvard Square. They used to have a more expensive yarn similar to this, but check out the stock towards the back of the store.

I feel like I start off every post with a reference to Martha Stewart, but here goes!

There was an issue this past summer that had some great ideas for maps. They took a few and cut them up into quadrants and frames them. It looked really cool and modular.

You could make a lampshade too.

Switch plate covers--so easy. Just buy swtich plate covers at a hardware store ($0.50 at most) and cut your map to match the plate cover. Then use Modge Podge to adhere it to the plate.
--S

Maybe this is a little silly, but a toothpick holder? Buy a buncha minty or cinammony toothpicks and put them in the Tic Tac boxes and you have little after dinner travel kit thingy. Of course, you'd have to embellish the outside of it to make it really interesting--maybe 50's dental photos?

There are tons of great ideas on the Martha Stewart website actually--under Learn/Crafts. There are lots of good ones under Valentine's day and others that you can modify for the holidays.

I can't find the feature where this first appeared, but I love the idea of embroidered cards. They sell this kit and the pic will give you an idea of what they look like:
http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=product&id=product5977&site=

I don't see why you'd need the kit. Just get embroidery floss, card stock, and a needle, right? I might be ambitious and try something like this this year!

Good luck!
--Simone

[Not sure if this should be in a more sewing-centric section]

So, I make these potholders:


and:


Now, in the past I've used just cotton fabric for the front, heavy duty quilting, and thick upholstery. But I'm wondering if there's any place that I can purchase that silvery, quilty (heat-resistant?) fabric. I've done a few online queries, but haven't come up with anything promising.
Anyone have any ideas? Lemme know!
Thanks!
-Simone

Man oh man. I've already started collecting stuff and thinking about Xmas/holiday gifts. It can get so overwhelming, no? I think part of the key is to start buying stuff a lot earlier. . . that way it's easier to stick to your budget and you're not hit (financially) anyway with all the stress. Plus, if you're making stuff, the earlier the better.

I'm knitting a few things (mittens are so quick & easy). Knitting those boa-like scarves is great. You can get the yarn for about $10. Knit them up on #17 needles (CO 8 stitches or so) and you can have one done, literally, within hours.

I think I'm also going to put my effort into making lots of little crafty things and putting together baskets for lots of people. Baking tiny loaves of banana/fruit/etc/ bread. Making soaps (the super easy glycerin ones--not the crazy, scary lye kind!), lip balm. Marble magnets. Decoupagey stuff. I collect crap all year around with the intention of making something out of it--now's the time!

I hope everyone posts stuff that they make--would be cool to see what we all end up with.

--Simone