Saori Weaving

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Saori Weaving is a fun, simple, and creative weaving technique developed in Japan. This technique focuses on the way colors, textures, and fibers work together in the weaving, instead of just how warp and weft combine. (click on the link above for more background on Saori weaving and techniques)

Sometimes termed a method of free-form weaving, Saori weaving encourages your natural creativity when creating the fabric. Fabric woven with Saori techniques can also be sewn using a few simple techniques that highlight the fabric, and keep the cutting and shaping of the fabric to a pleasant minimum.

Due to its focus on colors, free-form weaving, and highlighting textures, Saori weaving is an excellent method to use with naturally dyed or handspun yarns.

A tutorial for weaving a Saori scarf can be found here.

Scrap Quilt Patterns

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Quilted Twins offers free patterns for 72 scrappy quilts from simple to complex. The designs range from simple to complex.

Check out the site for oodles of inspiration and for free patterns to reduce the scrap fabric bins in your sewing room.

Child's Play Tent

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This indoor/outdoor play tent is the perfect hideaway for any child, and it's an easy, fun project that shouldn't intimidate any adult. This is probably one of the easiest projects you could make for a child. As an added bonus this tent folds flat for easy storage!

A complete tutorial for constructing the Child's Play Tent can be found on Just Another Hang Up website. 

Sewing for Profit Project Ideas

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So Sew Easy shares free patterns for 20 projects that can be made to sell in shops or online.

Tips are given on the website for selecting projects that will appeal to buyers.

Links to the patterns are at the bottom of the post, so scroll down for the good stuff.

Show and Tell - February

All photos are courtesy of Katheryn E. 

Sam G. -crochet mandala; Maia R. - commissioned roving
piano pad; Sandy W. - Scandalous Carrots socks; Rachel B.-
sock yarn bunny, and recycled wool bunny; Cheryl O.-
garter stitch baby blanket

Sandy W. - string bag made by Guaymi Indians; Program on drop spindles,
supported spinning, portable back strap loom that she made is practicing
weaving using the back strap to control tension.

Sali A. - crocheted circle sweater/vest, multi fiber cowl

Carrie J. - rainbow mitts, Downton Abbey hat, knitting two socks at the
same time, enerlac scarf, and bobble mitts

Christy P. knitting a two-color cardigan with a built-in steek

Cinde P. has been knitting multiple cowls from the yarn she got at the
October Guild meeting.

Colleen J. - program on spinning wheels and their features, yarn that
she has spun, plied, and dyed, socks she is knitting and adding mohair
to the heels for reinforcement, a small, knit neck scarf

PVC Niddy Noddy

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No need to purchase an expensive niddy noddy when you can make one from simple PVC pipe and connections for less than $6.

Ballard Flicka gives measurements for an interchangeable niddy noddy to make hanks from one yard to two meters. The site also gives directions on how to use the niddy noddy to make hanks.

Directory of Fiber Resources

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Interweave originally offered the Natural Fiber Directory as a pull-out section in the Spin-Off magazine, but now it is a free e-book Natural Fiber Directory that can be downloaded on a tablet or smart phone. 

It's a  one-stop, easy-to-take-with-you listings of fiber resources from around the world. These listings are important for searching for the perfect fleece for a project, and also for the spinning community as a whole.