I'm going crafty this year...help a novice!

[spikemomma]

I've got that craft/art yearning feeling and i need to do something about it. This is the year i find the confidence to flow with it!

Can you direct me to any good websites which have good ideas for small beginner projects?

I really want to make an owl - i don't know why! And the lovebirds shown by overmydeadbody.

I also want to learn to crochet.

Can you hold my hand and guide me!

www.ravelry.com

GIve me a minute, i saw a gorgeous one for crocheted owls on there a few days ago, let me see if i can find it...

Found it!

Sooooo cute

Rocketleaf and OMDB both have links to their blogs on here. they both have lovely things, and Rocketleaf's has some cute owls to sew and crochet.

OMDB

rocketleaf

My tip is to use google and the word 'tutorial' - bung in anything you want to make followed by tutorial and loads of step by step instructions pop up!

I LOVE ravelry - thank you purplepidjin, and also for taking the time to dig out that link - so cute!

Kurrikurri and everonesjealousofgingers (liking the name!) - thanks very much, inspiration kept me awake last night!

Thankyou!

check out attic24 for crochet, it's truly inspirational

:)

So good to hear you want to go crafty this year!

I couldn't recommend anythin more rewarding.

As others have said, if there is anything you want to make just type it into google with 'tutorial' or 'free pattern' after it and you will find something helpful.

Also, tipnut is good, and craftster is awesome for finding links to good tutorials and instructions.

The best advice I can give is don't give up or get disheartened if things go wrong first time, or something takes you ages, practice really does make perfect, so keep trying.

I had three attempts at making a wallet before I was finally happy with one!

Do you have a seamripper (or two?) Vital peice of equipment, means you can unpick stitches that have gone wrong and start again.

Thanks overmydeadbody. I haven't got a seamripper and i so know i'm going to need one of those puppy's! Thanks for the links too. Everyone has been so lovely and helpful.

I've had a bit of a spanner in the works. My inherited sewing machine hasn't got a foot. I thought i could buy a replacement online, but alas, it's a no go. Can anyone recommend a cheapy basic sewing machine? Bit of a shame, but it won't put me off!

I'm surprised you can't get a spare. If you want to let me know themake and model, there's a very good specialist sewing machine shop about 200 yards away from my house, and I'd be happy to pop round the corner to see if they can help?

purplepidjin I made one of those owls for my sister for Christmas!
Spikemomma, if you want to learn to crochet, you could do worse than looking up some instructional videos on Youtube. I found them very helpful.

thanks for the blog link Kurri!!! if you decide to make the owl spikemomma please let me know how you get on, would love any feed back on the pattern. Or shout if you need any help.

Hi Purplepidjin - thanks for your kind offer (aren't you crafty ladies on here just lush!). It's a stinky yellow coloured Frister Rossmann 300. Made in Japan, so it say's. I think i may need to source another one.

Ah, y'see mine's a Husqvarna Viking vintage 1971 inherited from my Gran - therefore worth repairing etc. It's also off-white so not too bad to look at!