Episode 30 we talked about Computer Crafts

First off I want to say I'm sorry to all the listeners who got a piece of a show. It was totally my fault. I clicked the wrong thing and closed talkshoe and then couldn't get it back. :(

So I recorded and edited the show and it's now available.

Mac

1. •Needlepoint charts http://www.ursasoftware.com/MacStitch2008.htm
   

2. •Stitch Craft Pro for Mac OS 9 Classic http://www.compucrafts.com/CCSCP.html
   

3. •Sock Wizard $34.95- Sock Wizard Guide, the program's help system, is not an ordinary software manual. In addition to guiding the user through the software, Sock Wizard Guide is a mini-book on sock knitting. Even if you have never knit a sock, you can do so with the text instructions from a Sock Wizard pattern, and the pictorial renditions in the guide. http://www.software4knitting.com/sockwizardmac.htm
   

Windows

1. •M&R Technologies
   

PCStitch Pro: $79.95 PCStitch Standard: $39.95 & Plastic Canvas Studio $19.99 - Turns any photo into a chart which can then be stitched. I have both but really think PC Stitch is more powerful and if you change the holes per inch to 7 you get the same thing as Plastic Canvas. The only thing missing in PC stitch is yarn colors which you have in Plastic Canvas Studio. You can make your own Palate based on anything which is really this softwares strongest selling point. Of course other than its ability to take photos and magically turn them into charts to stitch. But remember there is no reason you can't also use these charts for your knitting and crochet patterns too. http://www.pcstitch.com/Default.aspx

A couple of other crossstich programs that I havent tried are:

1. •Hobbyware - no pricing on web site you need to email them. http://www.hobbyware.com/
   

2. •DigiStitch® cross stitch software is currently on sale of only $39.95! http://www.digistitch.com/order.htm
   

3. •My Thread Box $109.95 is for anyone who sews - especially machine embroidery and machine cross-stitch users. It uses digital color value matching (Red-Green-Blue Color Strength Numbers) instead of 'conversion tables' to cross-reference any given thread color to 70+ different thread palettes. No longer are you stuck with the palette that came with your embroidery design - this software gives YOU the freedom to sew your design with ANY thread palette you choose including searching your collection for the best matches. Software will also match hand cross stitch floss to machine embroidery thread colors for those of you who want to machine cross stitch - Also matches all 940 Pantone Process Solid colors (the graphics and print shop standard) to thread palettes for those of you who do commercial embroidery.

4. Knitting Software - Software tools for all your knitting needs. Sweaters, motifs, socks, even a knit math wizard. http://www.software4knitting.com/softwareproducts.htm
   

This is of course a small portion of computer software for crafting. I am always looking and reviewing new ones and will share more in a future show.

Free help online

1. •http://www.crochet911.com/ or http://www.knit911.com is free help from the Craft Yarn Council of America

2. Graph paper for knitters If you plan on creating your own charts, you need knitter's graph paper. You have probably already noticed that knit stitches are almost always shorter than they are wide. If you create your designs using standard graph paper, your knitted piece will look compressed in the vertical direction compared to what you created on paper. http://www.sweaterscapes.com/sub2007_knitdesign.htm

3. Elizabeth Bennett's Perl Sock Program - This program generates the instructions for knitting a basic crew sock, based on your gauge in the yarn of your choice and on the ankle circumference of the intended wearer. It is based on several years' of sock-knitting experience. http://www.princeton.edu/~ezb/sockform.html
   
   

Episode 29 we talked about Easter Crafts

This year Easter sneaks up on us on March 23rd, less than a week after St. Patrick’s day. Which really cuts into the decorating time between the two. The first thing I think of around easter to make are bunnies.
On our flicker page are pictures of bunnies made from loopy chenille wrapped around styrofoam. My favorite is this bunny hugging a giant carrot.

A good book from the talented Ginny Lowe at Sbars is "loopy friends" you may be able to find it on the web. It has loopy chenille patterns for bunnies and chicks that are quick to make and oh so cute.

Also on our flicker page is a picture of a cute little chick family made with some yarn wrapped around a styrofoam ball. A small piece of cardboard is wrapped in felt for a base that can be decorated for clothing.

Another idea for the little ones you can easily make foam rabbit ears and attach them to a head band to make your own little bunny. Visit our web site www.cookscrafts.info for a free bunny ear pattern under show notes for Ep 29.

Over at about.com they have a family craft section and a great collection of safety pin jewelry patterns to use seed beads and pins.

For the crocheter’s out there maggie weldon is offering a free crochet bunny pin pattern at http://www.maggiescrochet.com. I made one with Red Heart white pompadour yarn at it looks adorable. As soon as I’m finished I will post the picture.

Rachel from http://rachels-holiday-links.blogspot.com/2007/03/knit-crochet-easter-pattern-links.html has a ton of links for free knit and crochet easter patterns. I went through a few and they seem to still work.

Berroco.com has a free pattern for knit chicks that cant be passed up.

Now if you don’t have time to make something head over to etsy.com and look at these cute peeps or anything else you can find when you search for Easter.

Then just for fun visit http://www.marshmallowpeeps.com/ They have a history of peeps and games around the little marshmallow guy

Also visit the peeps-tastic flickr group and see some funny pictures people have taken with their peeps. It might even inspire you to take some of your own.

Next show is March 19th at 9pm eastern time.