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.

Talkshoe didn't play nice...

Well tonights live show didn't happen live. :( When I went to record, talkshoe was down so I recorded it in garage band and uploaded it later. If you want to comment on the show please email me.

Name Change

Well, as you can see, I've had to change the name of my Podcast show. It seems that an extra letter and an extra word doesn't stop someone from threatening you with trademark infringement. I didn't know anyone had the rights to trademark regular words but I guess I'm wrong. I was gonna call our lawyer in the morning, but my 90 year old Grandmother, who is still the boss, feels its not worth the money to fight. I'm very disappointed. I now have to go back and re-record 20+ shows, contact itunes to remove my show and hope no one attacks my new name. All I'm trying to do is keep my Grandmothers store in business. She's been doing this for over 36 years and now has to contend with AC Moore being a few blocks away and as of Feb. 2nd Micheal's opened up around the corner from AC Moore. How the heck can a little store survive when it feels like there is so much against them?

Well I better get to work.

New Weekly Poll Questions

As you can see from our side bar I have now started doing a weekly poll question. The results of the poll will be discussed on the next podcast. I want to use this info to help with future show ideas. Its free and no spam so please cast your vote.

CraftiCast Live Ep 20 Organizing your Crafts

Today on the show we talked about keeping our Craft Room organized. I say we because I record on talkshoe.com where people can chat with me during the show and add their comments. So far in 20 episodes I have not had one of you brave enough to call. Who will be the first??

We organized Ribbon, Yarn and needles, Beads and other little things, and instruction sheets. Pictures of all the products we talked about can be found at www.cookscrafts.info under show notes.

We also had a listener email me to help her find a craft for her class for Martin Luther King day. The kids like to work with beads so they were thinking of a pin. If any of you have any ideas please let me know.

Crochet Heart Pattern

This cute and easy crochet stitch can be done in any color combination. Download a pdf of the instructions here

Knit to Crochet Conversion Chart

www.knitting-crochet.com has done a helpful conversion chart for knitting and crochet hooks. They also offer a service to switch a pattern from knitting to crochet or vise versa.

http://www.knitting-crochet.com/found/conchafou.html

Crochet Gift Card Holders

OK so you've given up and gotten gift cards for the rest of the people on your list. But you wonder how to present them. In a card, in a box?? Well here are some ideas from some very talented people:

Striped Cap Gift Card Holder
Crochet Pom-Pom Cap Gift Card Holder

Gift Ideas for the Crafter in your Life

So its coming down to the wire. Not that many days till Christmas. Here are some great ideas to give the Crafter in your life thats sure to make them happy.

1. Gift Certificate to their favorite craft store. Even small stores like mine have gift certificates. Sometimes around this time you even get bonuses.
2. For the knitter or crocheter you can get
   
1. a bag to carry their needles and/or work.
   
2. If there a beginner you can get them a set of various needle sizes. We just got a set for $19.99 that comes with 1 ergonomic handle, 1 regular handle and 6 interchangeable screw-on needles.
3. Notions are always needed, stitch markers, stitch gage, point protectors and counters are great little add ones and fit in the stocking or can be hung on the tree like an ornament!
3. Pattern and idea books are great, every crafter loves some fresh ideas or even get them a subscription to a craft magazine. Everytime they get the mag they will think of you.
4. For the Jeweler there is a cute set of mini Jewelry tools that come in a travel bag. A great second set
   

Remember that its the thought that counts. Buy from your heart and your receiver will know it.

Christmas ornaments for the Sports lover....

I just uploaded pictures to the Cook's Crafts flickr account with shots of beaded snowflake ornaments for all the sports fans in your life. Tennis, volleyball, baseball, basketball and football. Wired blank snowflake frames make this craft quick and easy.
Turn this:












Into this:

click here to see more options

Santa Ornament Gift Holder

This is the perfect little gift card, money or small gift holder and it doubles for a Christmas ornament. To Download pdf instructions please Click Here or visit our website and click on instructions.

Christmas Sales

Christmas Painted wood pieces regular price $.99ea on sale for $.49ea or 3 of $1.00

Holiday Suncatchers regular price $1.99 ea on sale for $1.49 or 4 for $5.00

All sales are while supplies last!!

Thanksgiving Craft Sale

Wednesday Nov. 21st. Friday Nov. 23rd. & Saturday Nov. 24th. Only

All Thanksgiving Craft Items 15% off

While Supplies Last

Leaves, Foam Kits, Turkeys & Pilgrims

Beaded fall corn

Beaded fall corn
Originally uploaded by Cooks Crafts

This easy winter corn is made from brown, orange, amber & red tri beads on an orange pipe cleaner (chenille stem) and some raffia. Put either a magnet or pin on the back.