Like A Kid In The Candy Store…

That is just what it is like. Around my house. In my craft room. With the attention span of a 2 year old, my hands are always going from this to that.

Yesterday was all about headbands. The day before that was belts.

Today, I am thinking about my repaired sewing machine sitting it its corner with the cover still on. Shame on me. I haven’t even checked to see if the bobbin winder was repaired. But I know it HAS to be OK. My receipt states I have a 90 day warranty. Guess I should still try it out.

BUT I want to make more headbands!! I am experimenting with cord lengths. Making them to fit all head sizes. Per my search on-line, I should make 17-18″ for young girls, 19-20″ for teens and 21-22″ for adults. Hope these are accurate cause that’s what I am following. I am embellishing them and hope they turn out cute AND SELL.

When I do get back to sewing, I am going to try making a big tote like the one I saw at the sewing center. Coiled fabric. Right up my alley. It was in orange and blue, had flat fabric handles attached with D metal rings, baseball buttons for closure (cute!!) and Go Tigers embroidered on the side front. Did I mention it was HUGE!! I have to try this. That’s how much I liked it.

OK, back to headbands.

My Sewing Machine Is Ready!!

Janome Service Repair Center just called. I can pick up my sewing machine today!! Yay!! Yippee!!

Almost 2 weeks for me to move up to #1. Will have to give it a test drive this weekend. More coiled fabric bowls acomin’ up.

Tuesday’s Tutorial: Bronze Macrame Belt

Today’s tutorial will be a macrame belt. Bronze Ringer.

Supplies/Tools Needed:

• 3 1/2 mm braided macrame cord (51-61 yards*)
• one 2 1/4″ welded ring (treated not raw metal)
• macrame board or covered ceiling tile
• T-pins
• tape measure, ruler or yardstick
• scissors

Directions to make belt.

Step 1.  Cut twelve 5 yard cords and one 1 yard cord.

Step 2.  Using the one yard cord, cover 2 1/4″ ring with continuous half hitches. Trim the excess cord when finished.

Step 3.  Find the centers of six 5 yard cords and mount to one side of the covered ring using Reverse Lark’s Head knots.  (Set the other six 5 yards cords aside for later.)

Step 4.  Number cords 1-12.

Row 1. Tie Square Knots (SK) with cords 1-4, 5-8 and 9-12.  (Unless noted otherwise, you will always tie a square knot with 2 filler cords. )  Tie the knots close to the ring.

Row 2. Tie SK’s with cords 3-6 and 7-10.

Row 3. Tie a SK sennet of 3 SK’s with cords 1-4, 5-8 and 9-12. A sennet is a vertical row of knots, one tied right under the next.

Row 4. Tie SK’s with cords 3-6 and 7-10.
Row 5. Tie SK’s with cords 1-4, 5-8 and 9-12.
Row 6. Tie SK’s with cords 3-6 and 7-10.

Repeat Rows 3 through 6 seven times.

Step 5. To finish off this side of the belt…

Tie a SK sennet of 3 SK’s with cords 1-4, 5-8 and 9-12.
Tie 3 large square knots using the two outer end cords on both sides as tying cords and the 8 cords in the middle as filler cords.

Step 6. The Tail. Determine how long you wish the tail to be and trim cords to that length. Tie an overhand knot at the end of each cord. Cut cord close to the overhand knot. Using a match or lighter, melt cord lightly to keep from fraying. Don’t hold fire too long to the cord. You don’t want to burn it.

Step 7. Repeat Steps 3 through 6 for the opposite side of the belt.

Congratulations!! You are done and ready to wear your belt. You can insert whatever you wish inside the ring opening, such as the wooden flower, as I did. Or leave the opening plain. This belt is pretty tied to the side or tied with the ring in the front.

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* Note: Length of cord to use depends on your waist size and how long you want belt to be. This belt in the tutorial measures 41″ at the point it ties around the waist. The tails measures 17″. So cut shorter cords if you want a smaller belt and eliminate a few of the “repeat” sections in Step 4.

Eyeglass Holder Photos

Monday, August 24

More photos. These are of the eyeglass holders I made over the weekend.

I am using two types of holders. A plain one and a fancy one. In gold and silver. They are both easy to use. Slides on and off my glasses with ease. So I guess the difference is in how they look since they function the same.

10 pairs made.

Here’s close up photos.

These next two double as necklaces. I got the bright idea AFTER making 8. Too late to undo and make them all into necklaces. What I did was add a small lobster claw clasp to both ends and dangle a welded ring from one of them. The wearer can decide whether to use as a eyeglass holder or wear as a necklace. The natural wood one and the gray/black one are like this. Can you see the ring in the photo?

Here’s how they will look on you.

Photos As Promised: Macrame Stuff Made

Monday, August 24

Latest bracelet made with crown knots. Wanted to used copper findings to go with the bronze cord. Couldn’t find copper cone bead caps, so used gold plated. Looks OK to me. I like how this came out. Plan to make a black one with gold.

New belt. In turquoise with silver beads. I am calling this one Hootie. Since the design resembles an owl’s face. Of course, I had to make matching earrings.

How do you like my wood display? Got them today at Michaels. 80% off. Was 79 cents each. What a deal!!

This necklace goes well with the turquoise belt and earrings. Made it yesterday. Tiny colorful wood rondelles.

And more macrame jewelry using ribbon crimps. My latest discovery. I found some today on sale at Michaels. Now I have bunches more to make up stuff.

Made My 1st Beaded Eyeglass Holders

Sunday, August 23

No pictures to show you BUT I have been really busy. Making stuff.

Made lots of beaded eyeglass holders. Crystals, glass beads, wood, gemstones, pearls, seed beads. Whatever was sitting not being used. They came out nice. I think. Not sure how long they should be. I watched a lady on YouTube making them. She cut the wire 36″ long. So that is what I did. I tried one on a pair of my glasses and the length was perfect. Maybe I’ll make a few shorter AND longer just to make sure I have a variety for my upcoming craft shows.

Also made more macrame jewelry. I really like working with ribbon crimps. They are so cool. Anyone know how long they have been around? I only just discovered them several months ago. I even asked for them at one of the craft places I frequent. They never heard of them. I got mine at Fire Mountain Beads on-line.

One bracelet I made with crown knots. It is REALLY cute. Think I will make more. I am experimenting with the best clasp, the best closure.

I checked on the repair status of my sewing machine on Friday. Was told I am #22 and the repairman was currently working on #16. They have had it for one week. Not happy!! I could be sewing coiled fabric baskets.

But it’s OK. I haven’t beaded anything in a long time. It felt good dragging out all the tools and supplies necessary to make jewelry. For about 5 minutes I had to think where I had put my crimps. Started to panic when I couldn’t find them and couldn’t remember where I put them. But I did find them. Right where I left them… about 8 months ago.

I’ll take pictures tomorrow to show you. It’s been a dreary, rainy kind of day in my parts. Hope you are having better weather than I am.

More Belts… More Tutorials Coming

Macrame Belt with Square Buckle: Autumn Tweed

OK, a few of you asked how to macrame a “regular” belt with a square buckle. A belt that can go through belt loops.

Well, here it is.

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Supplies/Tools Needed:

• 30 yards of 3 1/2mm braided macrame cord *
• one square belt buckle with 1″ bar for mounting cords
• craft glue
• macrame board or covered ceiling tile
• T-pins
• scissors
• yardstick, ruler, tape measure

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Instructions to make Autumn Tweed Macrame Belt

Step 1.  Cut two cords 7 yards long and two cords 8 yards long. Cords will be mounted onto the 1″ bar end of the belt buckle in this order.

• 7 yd cord (4 1/2 yds of it on the left and 2 1/2 yds of it on the right)

• 8 yd cord (3 1/2 yds of it on the left and 4 1/2 yds of it on the right)

• 8 yd cord (4 1/2 yds of it on the left and 3 1/2 yds of it on the right)

• 7 yd cord (2 1/2 yds of it on the left and 4 1/2 yds of it on the left)

Step 2. Number cords 1-8.

Row 1. Tie Square Knots (SK) with cords 1-4 and 5-8.
Row 2. Tie one SK with cords 3-6.
Row 3. Tie SK’s with cords 1-4 and 5-8.

Repeat. Row 2. Row 3. Row 2. Row 3. Row 2. Row 3. Row 2. Last row should have ONE Square Knot. This is how your belt should look at this point.

Step 3.
Tie 2 SK’s with cords 1-4. One right under the other. Tie 2 SK’s with cords 5-8. One right under the other. Tie one SK with cords 3-6. See photo for help if needed. This step is creating “holes” along the belt’s length.

Step 4. Keep repeating Step 3 until you reach the desired waist length or until you reach 10″ from the SHORTEST cords.

Your last row before beginning the next step should have ONE SK.

Step 5. This step finishes off the end of the belt. You will be tying Diagonal Double Half Hitch knots (DDHH) onto a diagonal anchor cord.

Cord 1 is the right diagonal anchor cord for this step. Pin cord 1 to the board diagonally using a T-pin. Double Half Hitch cords 2-4 onto it. Start with cord 2. See photos for help. 1st photo is showing one half hitch. 2nd photo is showing a double half hitch.

This is how cords 2-4 now look.

Step 6. Now you are going to repeat this on the right side using Cord 8 as the left diagonal anchor cord. Pin cord 8 to the board diagonally using a T-pin. Double Half Hitch cords 7-5 onto it. Start with cord 7 and work down to cord 5.

This is how belt looks after completing one row of diagonal double half hitches on both left and right.

Step 7. Ready for DDHH Row 2? OK, repeat Step 6. Do exactly what you did. Everything. You can renumber the cords or just visually number them in your head. 4 cords on the right and 4 cords on the left. 1-4 and 5-8.

2 Diagonal Double Half Hitched rows.

Step 8. Now you are ready for the 3rd row of DDHH’s. The last one. Yay!! Again, repeat Step 6.

3 Diagonal Double Half Hitched rows completed.

Step 9. One last thing to do. Make sure the last knots are tight. Cut the ends close but not too close. Save enough on the tip to melt and press down. Using matches, touch the cord for a nanosecond taking care not to burn or scorch the cord. Press down for a smooth edge.

I reinforced this area with sewing thread to make sure the knots on the tip will not work themselves undone when wearing. Make tiny stitches so they are not visible.

Add a bit of craft glue to the last row of knots on the tip, on the back side of the belt. Allow to dry.

All done!! Congratulations!! You are ready to wear your belt. Put it on. Use one of the “holes” created in Step 3 to strap it on. You can move it to any hole. Wear it tight, loose or however you wish. Enjoy!!

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* Note: Yardage to use depends on what size you want. Adjust belt size by adding or subtracting yardage. Experiment.

It is always best to cut longer cords and not run short and have to start over. You can always use leftover cord for other projects.

This belt in the tutorial measures 37″ at the point where belt prong thingy inserts into the hole.

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Need some HELP with tying knots?

In case you have forgotten how to tie a Square Knot (SK) or are new to macrame, here’s a picture of me beginning to tie one.

Also you can go here for help. Don’t be afraid. Try it. It’s easy!!

http://thisyearsdozen.wordpress.com/2008/05/06/how-to-tie-a-macrame-square-knot/

http://macrame_1.tripod.com/knots/ddhh.html

Making Jewelry With Macrame Cord

Wednesday, August 19

This is what I have been working on for the last several days. Jewelry made with 3 1/2mm braided macrame cord. The cord I use for purses and belts. It makes up larger so it doesn’t take many knots to create something.

8 or 9 Square Knots and you have a pair of earrings. They are very lightweight. I wore a pair for an hour and totally forgot I had them on.

This next pair I created from 3 strips of cord and added some wooden circle beads.

Here’s a bangle bracelet made with just square knots and larger wood circle beads.

Necklace was created with a length of square knots and chain links on both sides with a silver clasp at the top. Large wood circle beads hang from the cord. They move freely across the knots. Ribbon crimps and jump rings connect the cord to the chain links. It measures 22″.

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Supplies used for necklace, bracelet and earrings:

• 3 1/2mm braided macrame cord
• ribbon crimps
• jump rings
• chain links
• silver clasp
• wood beads
• earrings hooks

Breaktime!! Thanks, JoAnn’s…

Friday, August 14

Ahh, just what I needed. A break from sewing coiled fabric bowls.

I love how Michael’s and JoAnn’s compete for my 2 cents. Really. My 2 cents. As in… my dollars. I often wonder how one knows the other sent me an e-mail alert announcing great deals and coupons.

Because shortly after I open one e-mail, here comes a similar one from the other.

NO PROBLEM for me. I get to browse on-line for the best deals before starting up the car.

JoAnn’s will have thread on sale next week. Buy 1, get 1 free. Am sooooo glad I didn’t rush out when I ran out of brown thread. Now I can stock up on brown, royal blue (for my Barbie fabric) and whatever colors I am out of now.

BUT today is Friday!! That means I can’t resume this until next week.

It was turning into a big mess anyway. Shaped funny. One side pulling in. The other side slanted the way it should. Time for a break from sewing. Time to do some RIPPIN’.

Actually, time to take my Janome 10001 in for broken-bobbin-winder repairs. No sewing on it for at least 2 weeks.

Breaktime!! Thanks, JoAnn’s.