CRAFT Newsletter

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October 1, 2009

It's Coming ... Halloweeeeen!

I'm so excited Halloween is coming up soon that I can already feel my teeth ache from the overdose of candy corn I'm about to subject them to. This month, we've got a monster load of projects coming your way. From costumes to decor ideas to sweet treats, visit our site each day for Halloween crafts.

To get us properly in the Halloween spirit, today we feature Susan Beal's Kids Yoda Costume, modeled oh-so-adorably by her daughter Pearl.

Crafty Chica Challenge: Create a Day of the Dead Shrine

CRAFT and iLoveToCreate.com have teamed up to present to you the Crafty Chica Challenge: Create a Day of the Dead Shrine! Day of the Dead (or Dia de los Muertos in Spanish) is a holiday celebrated in Mexico as well as by many in the United States on November 2nd. Day of the Dead is a holiday to remember loved ones who have passed, and includes many characteristic decorations such as skeleton figurines, candy skulls, marigolds, and much more. For this challenge, we ask you to create your own Day of the Dead Shrine and share it with us. This Crafty Chica Challenge will run for 4 weeks, and the prize winners will be announced on Monday, November 2nd. The deadline for entries is 11:59 p.m. PDT October 28, 2009. Due to the personal nature of these Day of the Dead Shrines, the winner will be selected via drawing. There will be one (1) grand prize winner and three (3) runners-up. To find out more, visit the Crafty Chica Challenge page.

Twilight Gets Knitty

Vickie Howell takes a knitting dip into pop culture with her pattern for Alice Wrist Warmers inspired by teen vampire Alice Cullen in the upcoming New Moon movie.

Balaclava Chic for Winter Days Ahead

Nikol Lohr brings back the Russian headpiece with her cabled balaclava pattern which you can wear four different ways. Make it in something girly and soft like her pink cashmere version so you are more on the adorable side and not mistaken for a bank robber.

Also This Month

In the Kitchen

We love to cook and we know you do too. Don't forget to check out our Food category for recipes and delicious delights!

Cozy Up to Yarn

See all the great Cozy Up to Yarn projects we featured in September! From knitting and crochet patterns to ideas on how to use up your scrap yarn, we know that this theme is one that will be lasting all fall and winter long.

Craft_Tips on Twitter

Craft_Tips offers daily tweets of useful, handy, time- and money-saving ideas for DIYers of all stripes. Here are a few recent tips:

* Use a lint roller to pick up stray threads from your ironing board after working on a sewing project.

* Use an over-the-door fabric pocket shoe organizer for fabric (<1yd) pieces you can see and access easily! (via @loisellendesign)

* An eraser makes a great stump replacement when embossing metal. To make designs "pop" out! (via @CraftyChica)

* Use a toothpick and thread to crochet outfits for dolls! (via @Scharminkeltje)

* When crocheting, alternate grip to prevent indentations and pain! Try holding it like a pencil, then like a butter knife. (@tinason)

Got tips for crafts? Reply to @craft_tips (we'll credit you, of course!)

Do you subscribe to our Twitter feeds? We have @craft, @make, @makershed, @makerfaire , @craft_tips, and @make_tips.