#craft resources

[blatantescapism]

I desperately need to make myself linen long-sleeved shirts for field work

So my sister wants to start sewing more, because

a. She’s 5′ 11″ and can never find pants long enough for her legs or shirts long enough for her arms.

b. She hates synthetic fibers as much as I do and it’s difficult to find natural fiber clothes that aren’t made of cotton

c. She’s a biologist and would physically fistfight microplastics if given half a chance

So her gift from mom and dad for her birthday was a sewing machine. Not a super expensive one but a good solid serviceable one.

And recently she asked “So where do I GET wool or linen and thread that isn’t polyester” and mom was like ‘go ask your sister’

And I, of course, crashed into the group text like “GET A PEN I HAVE WEBSITES FOR U” and honestly I’m thrilled about this

[warmfuzzyanimal]

i was extremely sleep deprived yesterday when i discovered the dragon survival mod which was LIFE CHANGING when you're on three hours of sleep so of course i made a whole custom forest dragon texture in one day about it. and. just for fun, some concept art i made for it:

[pinyatapix]

how i imagine Minecraft Alex's personality to be like vs how i imagine Minecraft Steve's personality. duality of minecraft

[muttreg]

here are some snacks that aren't pre-packaged snack cakes for my fellow regressors who prefer more 'healthy' options!! :D

Yogurt Cups

Peanut Butter and Apple Slices

Granola Bars

Dried Fruit Crisps

Sliced Fruit

Cheese and Crackers

Trail Mix

Baby Carrots, Celery, etc. and Dip

Apple Sauce (+ cinnamon)

Cheese Sticks

Pretzels and Peanut Butter

Fruit Cups

Crackers (Pita, Ritz, etc.)

Ants on a Log

Cashews

Veggie Sticks/Straws

Yogurt Bites

Orange Slices

String Cheese

Nuts

Kale Chips

Unsalted/Organic Popcorn

[blatantescapism]

There are plenty of modern books and websites full of embroidery stitches, but here’s two of my personal favorites:

Hi I just started embroidering two weeks ago but I’m also interested in cross stitching. Can you explain the difference between the two (if there is any)?

I can try! Bear in mind that I'm self-taught in a "keep stabbing it til it looks right and turn to books/YouTube only if I'm really stuck" way, so people who were actually trained could probably do this better, and I'm open to being corrected.

Cross stitch is a type of embroidery where each stitch forms an X. It's often, but not always, done on Aida cloth, which looks like this:

Each X covers a square of the cloth, so the result is a bit like pixel art:

If you have a line of stitches of the same colour, a lot of people will do a line of half-stitches, then work their way back (called the Danish method):

That's really down to preference. Personally I switch between Danish and English (where you complete each X before moving on to the next one) depending on the geometry of the pattern I'm working on. The main thing is that the top arm of each X should be facing the same way to keep the piece looking tidy.

That's the basic idea, and there are plenty of patterns out there that only use cross stitches. Some patterns will also use back-stitching for outlines or details. Generally you do the cross stitching first, then back-stitch over top.

The majority of what I do is actually blackwork, which is related to cross stitch in that it's a type of counted work (each stitch covers a set number of threads of the fabric). I mostly use Aida cloth, but any evenweave fabric would work. There are a number of different styles of blackwork, but the one I do most often involves back-stitching geometric motifs to fill a section of a larger design. The pattern will show lines on a grid corresponding to the grid of the cloth:

A few things that might help if you're getting into cross stitch:

Aida cloth comes in different sizes. You'll see it labeled as 11-count, 14-count, 18-count, etc. That tells you how many squares/stitches there are per inch, so your stitches on 18-count will be much smaller than on 11-count.

If you buy 6-strand embroidery floss, you'll want to separate it into individual strands. If you're cross stitching, then usually the lower the count of your fabric, the more strands you'll need to make each X form a solid square and avoid having fabric show between your stitches. I use fewer strands with blackwork, because it keeps the lines sharp and makes the motifs stand out better. The pictures above are on 18-count. I used 2 strands for the cross stitch, and 1 strand for the blackwork (note that varying the number of strands can also be a method of shading in blackwork, but I haven't really used that technique before).

Some stitchers will tell you that the back of your work should look as neat as the front. If you want to aim for that, go for it. I'm really only careful about the back of my work if I know it's going to be visible in the finished piece; other than that, my backs are chaos and I'm fine with that.

This was at best a really basic overview of cross stitch. Some patterns use things like half-stitches and three-quarter-stitches to get different effects or smoother shapes. Some patterns will call for higher count cloth (like 28-count or more) and have each stitch cover two threads instead of one (called working "over 2"). There are all sorts of YouTube videos and tutorials that cover these things better than I can, but feel free to ask any questions you have, and I'll do my best.

Above all, have fun with it, and I hope it becomes something you enjoy!

[hyp3rst4r]

! — ☆ Lacey from Laceygames (Rentry Graphics) !

⠀＼(^_^)／⠀★⠀Free 2 use ! DONT CLAIM YOURS

¡ – ☆ NOTE FROM THE STAR : I keep forgetting I was making this graphics 3 times

(* ´ ▽ ` *)⠀REQUESTED BY ANON

[scribefindegil]

Thinking again about how many disabled people end up getting shunted into art/craft work because like. You can technically do it. Sometimes. Yeah you make a pittance at best and are almost certainly going to make your physical health worse by pushing yourself to get things done, but what else are you gonna do? You're too sick for anyone to hire you. You're "not sick enough" to qualify for benefits. Just devote every scrap of time and energy you have to a chronically underpaid, low-prestige, incredibly labor-intensive industry. A few people manage to make it work with luck and help and the right skills. Many people don't. Everyone gets pressured to monetize their hobbies, but it's especially insidious if you're disabled because any tiny thing you manage to accomplish to bring yourself joy gets twisted into proof that you should somehow be able to work.

[laurenttheninth]

i say this as a buddie and bucktommy shipper but also fundamentally i say this as a performing artist: i cannot imagine being an artist whose breakout role has been an anchor character for eight seasons on a huge network show and the only fucking interview questions i get asked are about which of my colleague’s characters i’m kissing or not kissing. he should be allowed to bite people perhaps maim them a bit

[beachreg]

⟡ beachreg's spooky media recs!!

since it's officially October, here are my favorite non-horror film/more kid friendly stuff to watch to get in a spooky mood!! :D

⟡ It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (TV-G, 1966)

⟡ Goosebumps (TV-PG, 1995-1998)

⟡ Scooby Doo on Zombie Island (TV-G, 1998)

⟡ Beetlejuice (PG, 1988)

⟡ Spookley the Square Pumpkin (TV-G, 2004)

⟡ Frankenweenie (PG, 1984)

⟡ Casper (TV-PG, 1995)

⟡ Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (TV-G, 2005)

⟡ Scaredy Pants (SpongeBob SquarePants, S1.E13, 1999)

⟡ Hocus Pocus (TV-PG, 1993)

⟡ Edward Scissorhands (PG-13, 1990)

divider credits: @/strangergraphics!!

[writer-at-the-table]

Really cool resource for all sorts of patterns and craft info!

[himikochan]

Don’t know if anyone has seen this before but here’s a free resource that basically tells you everything you need to know for your first tablet weaving project

It’s a website from 2003 and is very easy to read and has no paywall

[noxx-notions]

Suggestion of a crafting resource for people to look for in their communities because I didn't know it existed near me and others may not know to look for it!

There's a place in my town called a creative reuse center that is dedicated to reducing material waste and making art materials accessible to the community. The way it works at mine is they take material donations from customers but also from local businesses getting rid of excess materials and other stuff and sell it at a reduced cost. Here they sell some individually priced items, but most of it is by weight at $2/3 per pound. And literally it could be anything you may need for any type of project. There's fabric, yarn, thread, paining supplies, office supplies, old books and magazines for collaging, poster board, paper, and then just like random items that could be used in different projects like cds, corks, empty spools, cardboard tunes, leather, cigar boxes, literally anything.

I got all of this vintage tatting and mending thread (plus some dmc) for literally less than 50 cents the other day.

I saw someone recently who was a teacher walk out with four full grocery bags of crafting supplies for her students for about $40.

At this one they also host community events and classes which I haven't gotten the chance to attend yet but I'm looking forward to it!

Like I said this was something I didn't even know to look for until I came across it mostly by chance, so if you are looking to reduce your crafting waste by buying second hand or lower costs or looking to get rid of and donate some supplies maybe check to see it there's something like that near you!

[1readervb]

Embroidery Stitch Resource

A website with descriptions of the stitches, a short history of their use, and pictures and step-by-step instructions on how to make them! Really good resource for embroiderers and menders!

[maaarsbaars]

I’ve seen people headcannon that warriors knits, and yeah, I see it. However, I raise you:

Warriors is a crocheter whilst Legend is the knitter. They beef about it constantly.

(Bonus: Twilight spins yarn for them)

[litlangel]

soft post of cute graphics i found on pin

^_^ f2u , no credits at all ! 🐾

[muttreg]

ʚ 🍌 ) Banana & Apple Themed Snacks!!

for @boypaci!! :3

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Banana Chips

Apple Sauce

Apples and Peanut Butter

Banana/Apple Dried Fruit Crisps

Motts Banana/Apple Streusels

Banana Pudding

Apple Nachos

Apples and Caramel

Little Debbie Mini Apple Pies

Banana Sushi

Cinnamon Apple Chips

Sliced Apples and Bananas

Mini Banana Muffins

Gerber Apple/Banana Puffs