I’ve been wanting to spruce up the house and instead of doing a 100% halloween makeover, I’d like to do more of an autumn flavor.
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It’s a commonly known fact that I love mail of the slow kind. So much so that I rented out a PO box (PO Box 1314, Ames, Iowa 50014-1314) just so I could get unsolicited mail from anyone wanting to send it my way. When UPrinting contacted me about sponsoring a post by printing some postcards of my choosing, it was a no-brainer to say yes. I LOVE postcards! I took the opportunity to indulge in my love of mail, by making a postcard just for you! Make sure to go to the end of the post for details on how to get a personalized postcard from me to you! Read more →

This week I’m on the trail of RAGBRAI for the first time. In fact, when this post goes live I’ll be well on Day 2 of riding. I’m nervous. I’m excited. And I’m dreaming about all the cool things I should make for my bike.
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The Whip this WIP Challenge was a success because I’m now finished with my scarf that has been on the needles for far too long!
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Usually I’m not one to get all festive for the forth, but I started seeing all these super cute ideas in my blog feed and it’s really got me in the mood for fireworks, lemonade and those amazing ice cream sandwiches. I may just even do a picnic with Jason for lunch on Wednesday afternoon!
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I’ve been working on a quilt pattern for the new issue of the Craft Leftovers Zine (out in the next weekish) and was combing other tutorials to see how they write them. Because you know, while this is the second quilt I’ve designed, it will be my first official quilting pattern. And there’s a fun twist on using it as a picnic blanket. But you’ll have to get the zine at the end of next week to find out.

Personally I feel like quilts are the ultimate scrap-use-er-up-er as far as fabrics go. So many little pieces to use up! On the the quilted goodness:
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*imagine devo playing in the background*

We all have projects laying around the house that could easily be finished in a week or so if we would just dedicate ourselves to them. I know I have a whole box!

I’m challenging myself and YOU to go grab your unfinished thing-a-ma-jig, be it sewn, stitched, crocheted, knit, or whatever. You know the project. And finish it! You want to see it done but are having motivational issues. Go grab and get to work. We have two weeks. Here’s what I’m setting my sights on. Scroll to the bottom of the post for details on the Prize!

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In the beginning, Thrift Kitchen started out as its own separate blog. I realized pretty quickly that a lot of the people who were reading Thrift Kitchen we also reading Craft Leftovers. And I also realized that posting about home-y stuff once a week was really all I wanted to do. So I made Thrift Kitchen a post series here on Craft Leftovers and called it good. First it was on Thursday, then this year I moved it to Tuesday.

While I’ve continued to post a recipe from time to time and talk about growing food and meal plans, it’s been a long time since I’ve fully embraced the Thrift Kitchen model – providing food for my family that’s healthy and cheap.
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I was so excited when the package containing Hand Printing from Nature showed up unexpectedly from Storey. The note simply read, “Kristin, I think you’ll love this book, enjoy!” I suppose that’s one of the many reasons I love working with Storey Publishing, they really get to know their authors. Anyway,  I realize now I’ve waited WAY too long to crack it open.

I’m so looking forward to getting my studio cleaned up later today so I can try out some of these beautifully crafted ideas.

Giveaway details at the end of the post! Read more →

I first wrote this post 12/15/2009, it addresses such a great question of “what’s a zine?”. Since I’m knee deep in working on the next issue and thinking zine-y things, I thought I’d update it, and re-share it with you. Enjoy!

I love getting questions about zines. It’s one of my favorite topics since I spend a lot of time each month making one! “Lydia, Clueless Crafter” asked the question:

“You’ve got a really sweet blog going here. I hope I’m not cluttering it up by asking some silly questions. What is a Zine and what is published in them? Are they handmade and is all the content generated by the maker? Thanks for getting back to me!”

That’s a great question, and not clutter at all :)
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