Crafts Group Proposal

[eleny]

We propose the formation of a new DU group, a Crafts Group.

Currently, crafts are included in the "DIY & Home Improvement and Crafts Forum". Since craft related postings seem to get lost in the "DIY", there is interest in starting a forum for members who love to craft.

This group will discuss all sorts of fiber and paper crafts including sewing, crochet, knitting, quilting and needlework. Also polymer clay, rubber stamping, doll and jewelry making, beading, scrapbooking, woodworking, computer and nature crafts. You name the craft, we'd like to talk about it.

If this group is created, we suggest changing the name of the DIY group to "DIY and Home Improvement Group." We don't think such a change would detract from the DIY Group but will attract more participation from the many DUers who are strictly interested in crafts.

Please reply in this thread if you're interested in participating in a Crafts Group here at DU.

Thanks!

Longhorn and Eleny

[Book Lover]

1. Please count me in if

you would consider altered books a form of craft.

[eleny]

4. Yes, altered books are just like what we're thinking about, too

Thanks so much for jumping in!

[Book Lover]

7. Thanks!

I think this is a great idea :-)

[Longhorn]

12. One of the first things I'm going to ask you when we get our group

is what are "altered books?" (I assume you're not a CPA! ;))

But I'll save my question for the group! :hi:

[Morgana LaFey]

70. Me too. (And I thought I knew about crafts....)

Oh -- Yes!! I'd love it.

[eleny]

73. Hi and belated welcome to DU!

So glad you saw the thread!

[Morgana LaFey]

82. Why thank you. Me too.

It'll be fun.

[xxqqqzme]

144. been crafting for many years

but I ask as well - what is/are altered books?

[KittyWampus]

163. Take an old book, or child's board book, and collage it or alter it through using various

techniques and mediums.

Rip pages, glue bunches together then cut windows into them. Attach paper pockets and inset tags.

Anything your imagination can come up with.

[Bjornsdotter]

2. Yes, Yes and Yes

The idea of a group like this is very exciting!

Thanks for all of your efforts :toast:

Cheers

[eleny]

5. Hi!!!

[mahina]

3. I second that

and would like to add art and craft business info.

[Longhorn]

6. That's a great idea!

How many of us have dreamed about being able to sell our crafts? I'd love to learn more about it even if I never get to do it myself! Thanks for the suggestion!

[eleny]

8. That would be so helpful

I visit quite a few crafting blogs and the owners have Etsy shops online.

[Nite Owl]

9. Yes!

But now I'll never get off DU!!

[eleny]

10. In that case, welcome to the 24/7 DU club!

:hi:

[Longhorn]

11. I know what you mean!

I need to figure out a way to crochet and read DU at the same time! :)

Thanks!

[calimary]

205. I know what you mean. I'm addicted already.

And a crafts forum hasn't even been launched yet.

[atommom]

13. I'd be interested. It sounds like it would be a fascinating forum to lurk in. nt

[eleny]

17. Great! Lurkers welcome...

:pals:

[Zookeeper]

14. Good idea....

especially for those of us who are interested in more than one craft!

:thumbsup:

[eleny]

18. I'm like that, too

Lots of craft works are mixed media. :grouphug:

[stillcool]

15. i'd like that... n/t

[eleny]

19. Thanks for replying

It really helps! :hug:

[stillcool]

49. I'm a big fan of fiber...

I have an out of control yarn stash--and an equally impressive fabric stash. The devil will have a hard time making work with my hands!

[eleny]

50. A big box arrived yesterday from fabric.com

Oh boy.

I'm happy to just run my hands over the cotton with all the pretty vintage patterns. I'm so happy you found this thread. Stashes-R-Us!

[stillcool]

53. I can't do on-line for fabric yet...

ebay has contributed largely to my yarn stash, but buying fabric is still a must see, feel, touch thing. The library--my first love--, book stores--especially old and musty smelling ones-- and fabric & yarn stores are my idea of places for meditation...or church.

[eleny]

56. My gosh

When I walk into the library, fabric store or yarn shop I can feel my shoulders relax. You really framed it with your meditation and church references.

[knitter4democracy]

109. Know how yarn shop clerks know you're a knitter/crocheter?

Every knitter/crocheter or wannabe sighs. It's either when they first walk in the door (open door, step inside, huge sigh), or when they set their bag (and we all have bags) down and turn to look around the shop. I've clerked in three shops, heavily researched having my own, and everyone does that. :D

And we touch the yarn. That, too.

[shanti]

134. ha! i hear you!

crafting is a sensual experience, touch is an important part of knitting to me too :hi: as i mentioned on the DIY board, all of the new alternative yarns have really energized me to pick up the needles. it's a great shot-in-the-arm for an ancient craft:)

[knitter4democracy]

154. Those new bamboo and fancier fibers . . . Mmmmm.

:)

Some new yarns are soooo soft. :D

[eleny]

140. Squeezing the yarn is like squeezing tomatoes at the grocery

It's a must!

[Longhorn]

51. I want to build up a "stash."

You can get so many patterns online these days that it would be so cool to be able to find a pattern and start crocheting from the yarn I already have! Especially since I live out in the boonies so I can't just run by the yarn store.

[stillcool]

62. I can only do a chain stitch...

I've been threatening to try to teach myself crochet...but there's too much stash and not enough time! I accumulate lots of patterns from the net, a tree's worth as my husband would say...and my sister, who started knitting later than myself requires instruction over the phone---which is always a trip. Sometimes she sends me the pattern, so I can knit along with her. "But I don't want to make a blanket" somehow falls on deaf ears--but it's all good.

[Longhorn]

65. I found a crochet message board and they have what they call

"CALs" which stands for "Crochet A-Long." It sounds kind of like a book club -- everyone crochets the same project at the same time and then they chat online about the experience. :)

[shanti]

137. i'll have to check that out

my recycled sari silk yarn is calling :) and yes, got them on ebay!

[eleny]

68. I'm sure I saved a web page with videos of stitches

I've crocheted since I was a youngster. But there are always stitches new to me. The mini video files are so helpful.

[kath]

201. has your sister checked out knittinghelp.com? They have videos that show

knit and purl stitches, PLUS all the trickier things like yarn overs and MANY different types of decreases and increases. They have videos for Continental knitters as well as English knitters. VERY helpful.

[Morgana LaFey]

74. Pssssst

ebay

[WhoDoYouTrust]

76. Yes!

I have 2 shipments coming this week. Can't wait!

[Longhorn]

96. Why didn't I think of that?

So I can just buy yarn in lots?!!! That's got to save some money. I'm on it! Thanks! :yourock:

[eleny]

122. When you go into town...

Check out your nearest thrift shops. Hope you have some. People give away sacks of yarn. Real wool skeins and all sorts of surprises. I don't see what I want every time I thrift. But I make a habit of checking for vintage craft books, supplies and yarns when I'm there. You never know. Once I got a giant bag of assorted wool embroidery yarn. Great for woolen tassels to hang off a drawer pull, sewing up felted objects as well as embroidery.

Just a random thought!

[Raksha]

214. Another great thing about thrift shops--you should NEVER

pass up perfectly good yarn just because it's already knitted into a sweater! I have yarn recycling down to a system now. I have a ball winder and a swift (reel) and after I finish unraveling the sweater I wind the yarn into hanks and steam the kinks out of it. Then when it's dry I wind it into neat little cakes with the ball winder.

Sure, I could probably knit with the kinks still in it. But I like the idea of making the yarn look as good as new--it gives me such a wonderful smug feeling of beating the system!

Of course this isn't worth doing with cheap acrylics, only with quality fibers like silk or cashmere or alpaca. It's not worth doing with anything too thin either (takes too long) but it's possible to find cashmere sweaters in a sport weight for three dollars or less.

Right now I'm knitting a scarf out of a beautiful tweed angora blend yarn I recycled about 12 years ago but somehow never got around to using until now.

[knitter4democracy]

111. Psst. Charity blog sale for Second Harvest and MSF.

http://riverwalkyarns.blogspot.com

The second round is up and running, and I'm thinking of adding in a couple of things (if I would just be honest with myself on my yarn addiction problem). All proceeds will be split in half between Doctors Without Borders (with all names going to the Yarn Harlot, too) and Second Harvest.

[Raksha]

209. Well, I have an out-of-control yarn stash, an equally out of control

fabric stash...AND a bead stash! So THERE!!! I've never been able to decide on a favorite craft and at my advanced age (early-vintage baby boomer) I probably never will. I tend to focus on different ones at different times.

Oh yeah, and just for the record I LOVE the idea of a DU crafts forum! Except that I have same problem as others...that means I'll be on DU 24/7.

[KarenS]

16. I already said yes on the other thread,,,,

BUT, I'll say it again :)

YES!!

[eleny]

20. Thanks for jumping in again, Karen!

:yourock:

[Longhorn]

26. Thanks for dropping by here, too.

We'll be able to point Skinner to one thread with all the replies on it. :hi:

[tammywammy]

21. Count me in!

:)

[eleny]

22. Schweet!

[Longhorn]

25. This is going to be fun!

Thanks! :hi:

[tammywammy]

27. Well, I love to craft

I'm a big crocheter and I'm currently working on a cross stitch. :)

And at 26, there's not too many people my age that craft.

[eleny]

29. You would be surprised!

I visit quite a few blogs owned by women in their 20s. Young moms, singles. There's a lot of you out there.

How about I get a short blog list of urls for you when we get this group going? It's inspiring for me to see young women being so into crochet and needlework. You're all taking it to interesting new places.

[Longhorn]

38. I was a teenager when I first learned to crochet.

Maybe when we get our group, you can start a thread and find out who the other crafters your age are. I've been finding some really cute patterns for shrugs and scarves like the ones I've seen young people wear.

[Bluerthanblue]

23. I'd love it- count me in- eom

[Longhorn]

24. Thanks so much!

The more, the merrier!

[Lone_Star_Dem]

28. I'd like this

I knit (new at it, however) crochet and make some jewelry. I also love nature crafts and creating mosaics. Count me in!

[eleny]

31. I'd like to learn more about mosaics

I'm so glad you're here!

[Lone_Star_Dem]

34. Easy as pie and only limited to your imagination

You'll love it!

[eleny]

36. Thanks, I have an old tray that needs some zip

I figure to start small.

[Longhorn]

32. Always great to hear from another Texan!

Thanks! :hi:

[Lone_Star_Dem]

35. And the same to you!

:hi:

[sandnsea]

30. Yes!

I need some encouragement to do the baby quilt that was for my grandson, who will be 2 in June!! I think I better get it done before he starts kindergarten. :blush:

[eleny]

33. We can all use encouragement to finish up those projects

I've got a half done afghan stashed away. We can get each other moving on finishing up some of these. :D

[KoKo]

37. I support you...but gave up "crafts" for living when Chinese Imports

took over it all with "cheaper than I could buy and make and then including my "time" that was a "labor of love" ...there just wasn't a way. I hope this will come back.

You have support for your group...even though I gave up on earning a living years ago...I hope
American Crafts Movement will regain it's strength that it had in the 1960's.


Good LUCK!

[eleny]

42. Thank you!

[Longhorn]

48. American Crafts Movement

I like the sound of that! There sure seems to be a market for the supplies and patterns, from what I can tell from shopping online. But I think you're right, that many people are unwilling to pay for the labor. Of course, just the yarn for an afghan can cost $50 before you add for the time! I'm going to make stoles for my daughter's wedding and a shrug for me and the materials will be $30 to $40 apiece. We could probably find something similar already made but I think it will be more special for me to make them.

Thanks for your support! :hi:

[KoKo]

169. It "IS" Special...and hope one day the country can get back to what's special

and NOT Chinese Import...as cute and cheap as it is. :hi:

[knitter4democracy]

112. Knitting has surpassed the 1960's level.

In numbers of yarn shops, in sales, and in numbers in knitting classes. Crochet is on the upswing with new magazines, new designers, and a great guild (who seriously know how to party at the convention!). The fiber arts are doing well right now.

[KoKo]

170. Are you serious? I don't see it where I am...but great to hear

that in your "neck of the woods" it's in resurgence. I've been hoping that "unique/hand made" would come back but I live in the Booming SE where "granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances" are all anyone cares about.

Knitting and Crocheting are great activities for "former smokers" and those who have "figety hands."

Healthier! :D

[Longhorn]

175. I went to a store today that sold nothing but yarn!

It's called Hill Country Weavers and it's on South Congress Avenue in Austin. They took an old house and absolutely filled every room with yarn and fiber for weaving. They also give classes. There were several shoppers in the store while we were there. I've never seen such exotic fibers, either. :)

[knitter4democracy]

183. I've heard of that one on Knitty.com's message board.

Good review there, if I remember right. There are several Knittygals in Austin.

[eleny]

185. That sounds like the one featured in the knitting mystery novels

Maggie Sefton writes cozy mysteries with a knitting theme. The yarn shop central to the stories is in a fictitious version of Fort Collins, Colorado and it's a house transformed into a shop. What a perfect setting. I don't think we have one like that in the Denver area. Lucky you!

[calimary]

206. We have a cool store in Santa Monica called the Wild Fiber.

They have EXCELLENT supplies - all things fiber, including dying accoutrements. Last time I went in there, they were teaching a class on how to make felt. Looked FASCINATING.

If I only had the time...

[knitter4democracy]

182. Really? It's been a national trend for about seven years now.

It started on the coasts, of course, and it's taking awhile to catch on in the rest of the country to the same level. We're about 3-5 years behind most trends here in SW Michigan, and I'm starting to see more knitters and crocheters.

The TKGA national convention was in Atlanta three years ago or so. Good conventions. Stitches events are huge, too, and there's one in North Carolina in April:
http://www.knittinguniverse.com/flash/events.php

[Sugar Smack]

39. Mosaics, collages, anything involving rhinestones,

beading, that's it, I'm IN!!!

:D

[Longhorn]

45. I did some beading as one of my "projects of the year."

It was a lot of fun. I still have a plastic tray full of supplies. :)

[eleny]

46. Rhinestones - I have to hear more about how you use them

I'm looking forward to!

[calimary]

207. I heard a wild one, eleny. Did you know that the good ones, like CZs

have the same coefficient as the glass used in glass fusing projects? So you could work them in with dichroic etc. I haven't tried it yet but I do work in fused glass, and I'm just blown away by the thought.

I think I'll probably be dead before I get around to trying all these things.

[blonndee]

40. I would most definitely participate in such a group!

I just finished grad school and really want to get back into crafty stuff. I don't have a lot of experience but I just love making and redoing things, especially half-day-type projects.

[Longhorn]

43. Oooh, half-day projects -- those are the best kind!

Instant gratification!

Thanks! :hi:

[Sparkly]

41. Yes! I'd join!!

I do embroidery (especially vintage patterns), and sew sometimes, and would love to learn what all the other mysterious things in a craft store are for!! :hi:

[Longhorn]

44. We were hoping we'd snag you, Sparkly!

Thanks! :hi:

[eleny]

47. Who knew???

I didn't know you liked vintage embroidery. But it doesn't come up much in C&B.

[Libby2]

52. Great idea

I would love it too.

[eleny]

54. Great! Another crafter!!!

[peacefreak]

55. Count me in, too.

Great idea!

[eleny]

58. You're in!

[xultar]

57. I'm in. I want to learn how to knit. I'd like a GA DUer to meet and help me

with that.

[eleny]

60. Hi! I hope you can meet up, too!

[Longhorn]

61. That's a good idea!

Some local DUers already gave me some ideas of where to get yarn since I usually buy online. It's always nice to share local resources and maybe even get together to help each other out.

Welcome! :hi:

[xultar]

71. Let's get this party staahhhhted!

[knitter4democracy]

113. Are you near Roswell by Atlanta?

My knitting mentor lives there. I could give you her e-mail. She is amazing--and she knows everyone. I mean, everyone. I miss her.

[KitchenWitch]

59. I would be interested!

:hi:

[Longhorn]

63. Cool!

We're going to keep the thread active for a little while and then go to Skinner with our request. We'll be sure to let all of y'all know when the group is created! :hi:

[WhoDoYouTrust]

64. Great Idea!

:kick:

[Longhorn]

66. Thanks! We'll be glad to have you with us!

:hi:

[Cameron27]

67. From the world's worst crafter

I'll give my support. If I can learn to knit, maybe I can kick the cigs.

(probably will stay a lurker, but great idea!)

[eleny]

69. Welcome lurkers of DU!

[Longhorn]

72. That's a good point!

For me, I snack less when I'm crocheting. That's gotta be good! :hi:

[Dora]

166. Crochet kept my hands busy when I quit smoking.

It helped a lot. Now the question is what to do with 100+ flower medallions crocheted from perle floss.

[calimary]

75. Here!

I do a crafts column in a local rag every month, called "The Crafty Mom." My specialties include all kinds of kid crafts, AND projects with a recycling angle to them. Been into jewelry and beading crafts and all things personal adornment forever, and "The People's Clay," polymer clay, for about 15 years now.

PM me or something, so I don't miss it. I don't always remember to browse through the other forums, much as I enjoy 'em when I do.

[eleny]

77. How wonderful!

I hope you can share your column with us. DUers have so much going on!

[calimary]

83. It's put out by United Parenting Publications in MA.

I think they have a website - but has it ever occurred to me to go check? D'OH!!!!

At any rate, it's fun to do. It's silly as hell and gets everybody giggling (and not taking themselves so damned seriously). And it's cheap! This nun at my kids' elementary school was looking over some of our craft projects for the annual carnival (we made the carnival decorations, per the theme of the year, out of recycled stuff and throwaways) and observed that some of the kids she teaches in other schools can't afford ANY art supplies other than that stuff we were using (things like toilet paper tubes, cleaned-out plastic yogurt cups and Stouffers' frozen entree dishes, egg cartons, detergent boxes, 2-liter plastic bottles, lids, soda can pull tabs, and old newspapers.

You're so correct. DUers have SO much going on!

[eleny]

84. Hmmmm...

I can always scare up some supplies. Let's talk down the road if you think it would help.

[kitkat65]

78. I'll bite!

[eleny]

80. Ouch!

Thanks for posting!

[Kerrytravelers]

79. Count me in!

[eleny]

81. Gotcha!

Nice to see you aboard!

[NastyRiffraff]

85. Manic knitter here!

I'm in...maybe I can actually work on cutting down my stash!

[Longhorn]

88. Thanks a bunch!

But you know you'll just gete more stash! ;)

[knitter4democracy]

115. Whoo! Come sit by me!

We can compare stashes. :D

[bicentennial_baby]

119. Bwahahaha! Never!

The Stash never dies! :rofl:

:hi:

[eleny]

141. Hi, you!!!

Gonna cook up some crafts with us?! YAY!!!

[Crowdance]

86. I'd enjoy such a group, too.

Count me in.

[Longhorn]

89. Wow, from the looks of things, this is going to be a busy group!

And they're the best kind! :hi:

[calimary]

208. I was a member of a loose-knit (pardon the pun) group of women

who met once a month after church (or sleeping in) on Sunday and brought whatever craft they were working on - with the aim of actually MAKING TIME to sit down and DO whatever it was, or maybe even finish it. We'd bring food, sit around somebody's living room (it was a movable feast - every month was someplace new) and spend the afternoon talking, giggling, gossipping, and painting/knitting/scrapbooking/crocheting/sketching/wire-working, and more. VERY cool. We called ourselves the "Craft Babes." It was really wonderful especially for those of us who were always too busy and otherwise preoccupied - so that we never made time for the projects we loved. Some of those projects would sit on shelves or in drawers for a year or more because the crafter couldn't find the time to finish it. Once we started meeting like this, a lot of those projects got finished. It was a great excuse to get together, with a MOST productive twist.

[NMDemDist2]

87. I'll give this a kick for all the talented DUers out there! n/t

[Longhorn]

90. Does this mean you'll join us?

It's where all the cool DUers will by, ya know. ;) We'll give Cooking & Baking a run for their money. :D

[eleny]

93. Thank you so much!

I received your PM and PM'd you back.

We hope you come visit with us sometimes!

[Longhorn]

97. That's me in the middle -- the smilie that won't stop talking!

Message boards are a good medium for me. ;)

[GenDem]

91. I'm in

I love collage, altered books, weaving. I teach art and would love a place to go on this forum to share and get ideas.:bounce:

[Longhorn]

94. Isn't it interesting that crafters tend to have more than one craft?

I'm afraid I can't consider what I do "art" since I don't create my own patterns. I guess I could get credit for the color combinations I select. :)

Glad to have you with us! I'm a teacher, too -- math. :hi:

[knitter4democracy]

120. Hey, maybe you can help me with something.

http://www.threadless.com/product/725/f_x_sheep_x_m

Exactly what is the equation? The math gals on Knitty's message boards thought it was the sheep jumping over the fence while being counted to go to sleep. Is that right?

[Longhorn]

127. You're right.

The equations don't mean anything -- just a fancy way of counting sheep. It's funny, too. Thanks! :)

[knitter4democracy]

128. I'm wearing mine now and still giggling.

I just love it. :)

[GenDem]

126. Besides creating art, I find that crafting is another expression

with a little less stress.

Had a two year cross stitch period, and winter always brings on the afghan crocheting phase--keeps the legs warm,too.

It's all good!

[EFerrari]

193. It is. I guess we have this thing about changing things to see what will happen.

lol

[eleny]

105. Welcome to DU, too!

[GenDem]

106. Thanks!!!

Been lurking here since '04 elections. I love this site!!!:hi:

[lavenderdiva]

92. count me in!

I'd love to participate in the Crafts forum! I have SO many sewing patterns, cross-stitch, crochet, knitting, and not to mention the fabric stash. My own, and that that I inherited from my late mother! I did go thru her stash, and gave away a lot of stuff to a local group that was teaching high-schoolers to sew. But there was a lot that I couldn't part with. I think I'm at a point now, where I need and can let go of a lot more stuff. And just keep the stuff that I will really, really use.

I'd love to hear from other DUers about what you guys are working on! What a great idea- You have great ideas for new groups Longhorn- remember the beginning of the Weight Loss forum? :applause:

[Longhorn]

95. Oh, boy, I'm so excited to see you!

Wow, how many groups does that make that we share? And we share a state, too! :)

I'll look forward to your participation in the Crafts Group. You always have such a positive, uplifting outlook that I can't help but smile when I read your posts. Thanks! :hi:

[lavenderdiva]

98. you're a sweetie, my friend

I think that I've lost track of how many groups we share in! We've got a lot in common :hug:

[eleny]

100. I hear you

I have my mom's button box right here in my office room. It's an old, metal Louis Sherry candy box. And it's filled with buttons saved from worn out clothes and wherever she found them. I love it.

I'm glad to see you here, too, ld. We'll all have fun!

[lavenderdiva]

102. what a great idea you and Longhorn have!

I know there are lots of other DUers who will share some wonderful ideas. We're gonna enjoy sharing and learning in this new group!! :pals:

[QMPMom]

99. Count me in! Sounds great to me.

[eleny]

103. Hi!

Thanks for replying!

[eleny]

143. P.S.

Belated welcome to DU! I hope you can tell us more about your life abroad. And the crafting that goes on where you live.

[troubleinwinter]

101. Me! Me! Count me!

:bounce:

[eleny]

104. Count yourself in!

[knitter4democracy]

107. I am there (um, obviously, considering my screenname).

Whoo! Get the needles ready! Grab some scissors and glue! We need our own group!!

[eleny]

108. This is great!

It's so nice to see you here!!!

[knitter4democracy]

116. It's time for our own group. Thanks for doing this.

Crafters have to stick together.

[Longhorn]

118. If you hadn't found us, we were going to find you!

Welcome! :hi:

[knitter4democracy]

121. Am I that bad?

You should see how much I hang out at the Knitty boards. :blush: I go by Bina there and try to keep my politics out of it (per the rules).

[Longhorn]

129. You're that good!

:)

I love your screen name and I've always been interested in your projects to help others. I'd like to find time to do some of that and I know you'll continue to inspire me. :hug:

I also love that we don't have to keep politics out of our discussions! :D

[knitter4democracy]

135. I don't do enough.

*sigh* I need more knitting time.

I wonder if we'll keep it nicer in our group, though. I'd bet we would--crafters tend to be nicer, especially in more mixed groups.

[eleny]

145. It'll be good

And it's nice to have the balance to our political activities. It'll help us to remember why we're active in politics. You know - our daily lives, familes and friends.

[knitter4democracy]

155. I like that thought.

In many ways, I'm a liberal because I knit.

[madinmaryland]

110. Well, my wife will now join DU, but it might give her more ideas...

:scared:

[Longhorn]

125. We'll be happy to have her!

And it's okay, she'll probably give us some ideas, too, so it will all balance out! ;)

[kath]

202. uh-oh. Stash problems??

Not that I would know ANYTHING about massive stashes. Nope, not me, uh-uh.

[bicentennial_baby]

114. I am IN!

Please! Yes! :bounce:

[Longhorn]

131. You got it, Baby!

Glad to have you! :hi:

[bicentennial_baby]

164. I've wanted this group for so long!

:bounce:

[NoSheep]

117. Nice to know someone is trying to go on with their life as if......

I know that sounds negative...but I really don't mean it that way. I'm just jealous that I've had my creativity sucked dry by all this hell. I'll come check out the group. Maybe I'll come around.

[knitter4democracy]

123. Sit down by me. Want some cashmere?

It always gets me out of a funk. :)

[eleny]

138. No kidding but I do know what you mean

I used to craft all the time. Embroider during lunch breaks at work and crochet with the tv on at night. These last 6 years have been hell. I still did some but not like I used to since I was a kid. A while back I got intrigued by some new things. Then discovered craft blogs that inspired me to dive in again. No matter how little I do, I decided to just do it.

I'm so glad you posted. C'mere you - :pals: And I hope you visit the group to just read if it makes you feel a little bit of good.

[NoSheep]

158. How sweet. Thank you. I know I'm not alone. I started a little blog to try to

get my creative juices flowing again. I was doing okay until my SO lost his mother just before Christmas. I'll see if I can post a link to it. I appreciate the support. :grouphug:

http://dian-highlandavenue.blogspot.com/

Notice...no new posts in a while.

[Longhorn]

160. I'm so sorry for you loss.

You have the right idea -- I have to say that the DU groups saved my sanity after the 2004 elections. I was so depressed that I couldn't go into any of the big boards. Sometimes we want to talk about what's upsetting us and sometimes we just need to hang with other people, especially those with like minds, and maybe talk about other things.

I've also found that I enjoy my crafts more when it's something that I want to do and not something that I feel that I have to do. But I do get inspired when I hear about what others are doing and I hope you do, too! :hug:

[eleny]

168. Thanks for posting the link!

No pressure - but I saved the link to my list of art blogs I visit. The house on Pawley's Island is a beauty. You're right, the shadows made by the awnings added something to make it complete.

SC has really grabbed me this past year. Maybe it was reading The Mermaid's Chair. And I grew up not far from water on Long Island up north. So, your picture of that house stopped me in my tracks.

[kath]

204. Oh, man, knitting is the only way I've stayed sane the past two years.

I felt like I was going to go absolutely, totally batshit crazy after the 2004 election. I started knitting a few weeks later. It really helps to calm me down when Bushco's evil deeds (and the ups and downs of two teenage girls in the house) threaten to drive me over the edge.

[calimary]

211. You could always harness that hell and make a timely dartboard

cover!


:evilgrin:

I bet you WILL come around. This stuff is awfully contagious.

[wovenpaint]

124. As a professional fiber artist-I'm interested!

I didn't even know there was the DIY group!
This group will definitely be added to my daily "look see"
My crafting skills include weaving, spinning, felting, knitting/crocheting, sewing, dyeing, beading, painting, etc, etc, etc.....

:hi:

[Longhorn]

130. Wow, someone who actually makes money at it!

I'm very impressed! We'll be sure to let you know when the group forms. Thanks! :hi:

[knitter4democracy]

136. Whooo! Another spinner!

Long or short draw? What kind of wheel? Want some fleece that I'm trying to find a home for?

[eleny]

139. I'm excited to see your work

No doubt about it, there are some very talented people here at DU. I hope you get to meet some peers in DU in your area of fiber art.

P.S. I took my first felting class last summer!

[shanti]

132. yes!

count me in! :hi:

[Longhorn]

133. We're happy to have you!

Thanks! :hi:

[Lugnut]

142. I'm in

:hi: Thanks for the proposal, Longhorn and Eleny.

[eleny]

146. Hi Lugnut!!!

Oh, this is so neat! Welcome aboard!

[barb162]

147. Yeah, I'd be interested

[eleny]

148. One more for the big count!

Thanks for posting, barb.

[barb162]

149. Fine, I hope there's a separate forum. I think I will mostly be a

looker at everyone else's ideas! And I will try to learn how things are done

[Lugnut]

198. You have to start somewhere.

If we get approval for our group chances are pretty good that you'll see something you'd like to try.

[KT2000]

150. Sounds good

count me in!

[eleny]

151. Thanks, KT!

I'm glad I was still up tonight to see your post. Welcome!

[eridani]

152. Cool! I've taken up beading and leatherwork

I'd love to see other peoples' work and get comments on mine.

[Longhorn]

153. I'm amazed at the diversity of interests in crafting we have here at DU!

Not surprised but amazed. :)

Welcome! :hi:

[eridani]

222. All this and political acitivism too!

Maybe we should call the forum the Madame DeFarge Mad Multitasking Arts and Crafts Group.

[AllegroRondo]

156. count me in!

sounds fun!

[Longhorn]

157. Great!

It's been fun just reading all the responses to the proposal! I can't wait to start discussing the actual crafts. :)

[Longhorn]

159. The request to the Admins has been made!

Eleny and I will be sure to PM all of you who have responded to make sure you know the outcome but as soon as you see that the group has been formed, jump in and start talking! :hi:

[Dora]

161. I'll lurk in it until I can buy my star back.

I love making stuff, just wish I had more time to do it.

[Longhorn]

162. Looks to me like you've got a star!

So we'll look forward to seeing you in the group! :hi:

[Dora]

165. OMG! I just came back and saw this!!!

Thank you beneficient donor!

- doing happy dance - singing "i got my groups back, i got my search functions, i got no advertising, i got DU'ed!"

I can't wait to see the new group, and add it to my list!

[eleny]

167. Hey, that's great, Dora!

DU is full of surprises! I'm so glad you decided to reply!

[Longhorn]

176. You must be a special person!

:hug:

[MoonRiver]

171. I would absolutely love this!

Having just retired, I'm trying to get back into my knitting and crocheting. It would be awesome to have a place to talk crafts.
:kick:

[Longhorn]

173. I went yarn shopping and was practically drooling!

I haven't shopped for yarn in person in a long time -- I usually get it online. There are so many new styles and fabrics out there, it's amazing! I now have the yarn to do three wraps for my daughter's wedding and the yarn for my shrug will be here soon so I can't wait to get started -- and I'll get to share them with y'all! :)

[eleny]

179. I can hardly wait to see them!

:hi:

[MoonRiver]

195. I go way too crazy when I start looking at yarn and imagining the possibilities!

:crazy:

[eleny]

177. You'll pick it up aagain quickly

Crochet had really grown through the years from what I see out there. Welcome aboard!

[MoonRiver]

196. Thanks! Right now I'm having knitter's block.

I need some friendly support to get myself back in gear. :hi:

[eleny]

197. Here ya go!

[sweetpotato]

172. Quilter checking in

I didn't even know there was crafty discussion going on here.

Bless my heart. :D

[Longhorn]

174. Quilters have more patience than anyone I know!

:) I'm not a patient person but I still want to do one some day, completely by hand. :)

[eleny]

178. We're glad you found this thread!

No pun intended! :rofl:

[madokie]

180. being of a creative sort myself I say yes

Rec

[eleny]

181. Terrific!!!

[knitter4democracy]

184. So, do we have enough yet?

I think we've proven it would be a big enough and active enough group. Don't you think? ;)

[eleny]

189. Yes, Longhorn sent an email to Skinner this morning

Her postng about it is somewhere above. Lost in all the enthusiasm! :D

We needed 10 and there are so many, many more!

[catchnrelease]

186. Still need replies?

I'd be interested. Will probably lurk most of the time, but would love to see what others are doing. Since I spend so much time on DU, my crafting time has dropped down to almost zero. (I keep hoping * will be gone so I can have my life back!!!) I have not permitted myself to go into a fabric store in ages as I can never leave with out some new batch of yardage, a real compulsion to buy cloth for a project I want to do "someday".:eyes: (Yes, the "stash")

[eleny]

190. It's good that you replied

We're sending a PM to people who replied here as soon as Skinner gives approval and the group is started. Just so they know it's up and running. Thanks!

[shimmergal]

187. I love this idea!

In the past I made stuffed fantasy animals--still have _lots_ of fake fur around waiting for me to pick up on it again. Also I do a little embroidery and like helping my granddaughters with craft activities. Can't wait to have this group start and be there as a resource.

[Longhorn]

200. Those are some lucky granddaughters!

I have three daughters and though I tried, none of them were really interested in crafts. But two of them have taken up remodeling, which is what their dad does for a living. :) (They don't like math either -- I teach math! :()

However, the first of my two brides (one in February and one in March) is very excited about the wrap I'm making her for her wedding. We spent the day yarn shopping. We only had to go to four stores -- well, five if you count going back to the first store to return 26 skeins -- Michaels had the same yarn for 50 cents a skein less! ;)

[diamidue]

188. Linocuts; "gocco" prints/cards; fabric anything

Would love to learn more about other crafts - a lot of those listed here sound interesting. I'm always up to learning something new. Count me in.

[eleny]

191. Linocuts - yet another kind of craft!

I've heard about the gocco device. Have they decided to keep making them and the supplies needed to use them? They look like so much fun.

[diamidue]

199. gocco

No, unfortunately, it is not looking good for gocco. Supplies in the US are dwindling. I've hoarded enuf to last a while, but everyone is hoping that we can find a US manufacturer to step up to the plate once the Japanese are out of the picture. They ARE a lot of fun.

[eleny]

216. I'd like to get into it

It looks like a fun way to make prints. I like to make washable prints with the Epson inkjet. But it entails treating the cotton myself. I understand that with the gocco, it's easier. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you gocco-ites.

[dbt]

192. Even Loners can get a group on DU!

Explain that one to me. Go ahead.

:evilgrin:
dbt
Remember New Orleans

[eleny]

194. No loners here at DU?

Glad to see you here!

[Pakhet]

203. I would love to talk to crafters

anyone make soap?

[calimary]

212. No. Well, not YET, anyway.

But there's another one I'd like to try.

[eleny]

217. I've only used the melt and pour

I'm a chicken to make soap from scratch!

[Pakhet]

227. cold processed lye soap is fun :)

you just have to a little careful.

[Nicole]

210. Count me in!

[eleny]

218. Okeedoke! We'll PM as soon as it's a go

[nadinbrzezinski]

213. Count me in

I paint miniatures for war gaming... and other games and trust me, IT IS a craft

[eleny]

219. You're counted!

And yes it sure is. My brother used to paint them, too. It's very exacting work. It's been a long time since I was around them. And it's great that you saw the thread!

[Raine]

215. I'm In

I build miniature dollhouses and do ceramic painting. :-)

[eleny]

220. Thanks for checking in!

One of my buddies at work used to make miniatures. One lunch time we spent 1/2 hour discussing all the colors that actually go into painting fruits. The dots on apples and pears and such. We studied our dessert fruits a while before eating them!

[Raksha]

221. This is my official "Count me in!" post even though I've already

replied on the thread. If you're going to PM everyone who has expressed an interest in the group, I want to make sure I get counted!

[Longhorn]

223. You'll definitely be counted and get a PM.

I'm going to email EarlG directly since Skinner has his hands full with the new baby! :)

[Nite Owl]

224. Hope there is some news

soon, this is going to be such a great group!

[Raksha]

228. I have a feeling Skinner's new baby will be the best-dressed

true-blue new Democratic baby EVER, with tons of new sweaters and hats and booties from our first group project!

[cpamomfromtexas]

225. Love the idea

Love all types of crafts sewing, scrapping, crocheting, woodworking, furniture refinishing, you name it. If it's cool, I wanna learn how to do it!

[lies and propaganda]

226. I design glass jewelry, I love the idea!

count me in K & R