Bitches Sew Stitches

We've Moved!

2009-10-15T20:37:00.001-07:00

Update your bookmarks ladies and gentlemen!
http://bsstitches.wordpress.com
See you on the flip side!

Charity Cook Book! UPDATE

2009-08-14T10:23:00.001-07:00

Well, the "ladies" of BSS are at it again! This time the challenge is recipes, because we are making a Cookbook to benefit Build on Respect. We don't know how much the books will be, that depends on how many recipes we get. We want all of you to send in your favorite recipe(s) and if you have a friend who is killer in the kitchen have them contribute too.

Even though we are trying to raise some funds for Build on Respect we don't want the cookbooks to end up costing too much. So, we decided we would go for some good old fashion sponsor action. There are three levels of sponsor, for ease of discussion lets call them Gold, Silver and Bronze. Gold Sponsors get their name and/or link in the book, in a larger font and an optional logo for 10 dollars. Silver Sponsors get the same in a smaller font for 5 dollars and in case this wasn't absolutely obvious Bronze will get the same in yet a smaller font. Oh, and that warm feeling you get from helping someone out! But, hey if you have money you want to throw around or would like to place an ad in the book email us @ bs.stitches@gmail.com

All monies raised (once the cost of the books is covered) will be given to Built on Respect.

Along with your recipe we are going to ask that you sign your name (prd or legal or whatever) on to a piece of white paper and either scan it or take a picture of it for us to use for the book. If this is somehow too hard for you to do, or not something you want to do, don't. Its completely optional.

Recipes can be emailed to bs.stitches@gmail.com

If you would like to contribute in some other way, please contact Meggers or Bean with your ideas.

Built On Respect
Built On Respect Myspace

thank you!

Amanda, Bean, Meggers, Tague and the rest of the BSS Crew.

Bitch of the Month: August

2009-08-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

Natalie From Chicago!

What is your craft?
I'm a baker and a writer - I suppose it's debatable whether those are considered crafts but I feel like they're both about as DIY as it gets.
Why do you craft?
Everyone needs an outlet. I'm too clumsy for sports and too uncoordinated to sew or knit but I can beat some batter and live to blog about it..
What are your sources of inspiration?
I'm inspired by a lot of things - most of the recipes I think up are either inspired by the food I love (nachos, Girl Scout cookies, pizza, macaroni and cheese...) or by a song I have stuck in my head. But the things I do and the way I do them are heavily influenced by all the wonderful women in my life. My mom, my grandma, my sister - all my blogger friends, roller derby girls, rich ladies like Martha Stewart. I just want to make them all proud. Oh - and I can't forget my hometown Chicago. I nearly cry every day as I pass the skyline on the El train. I dare anyone to come here and not be inspired by this beautiful city.
What is your favorite beverage?
I love Americanos. I once wrote a thank you letter to a coffee shop for making me the smoothest, creamiest Americano I've ever had. I felt the lord's presence in those espresso shots.
Where do you buy your favorite beverage?
Chicago has a lot of awesome local roasters - so I like to support Metropolis Coffee Company, Intelligentsia, and The Coffee & Tea Exchange.
How did you come up with your business name?
My husband's been skating for more than 20 years, and these days he works at a skateboard wholesaler so I'm bombarded by skateboard imagery all the time. We were just up talking about this nameless blog I'd just launched one night and Bake and Destroy just sort of came out of a bunch of different ideas we kicked around.
What is your weapon of choice?
My secret weapon in the kitchen is buttermilk. If you replace the milk in almost any of your recipes with buttermilk you won't regret it - especially your favorite chocolate cake recipe.
What would you be doing otherwise?
I shudder to think what I'd be doing if it wasn't for Bake and Destroy. The success of the blog was the reason I decided to finish my journalism degree. And I was one of those people who started trouble when I was bored - and before baking I was bored an awful lot.
Do you have any advice for other crafters?
Protect your brand. I can't tell you how many times I've had to rally my troops to call someone out on stealing my name or my logo to make some crappy merchandise. Luckily I have readers literally all over the world - so if some broad in Australia is ironing my logo on to tea towels and selling it as her original work my Aussie girls are on it right away. (That happened, dude.) But it's tricky business and it can be expensive. If you can't afford to officially trademark your brand, start throwing the (tm) on your logo anyway - if you can prove you did it first that's half the battle. Another cheap way to protect yourself is to buy domains. I own BakeandDestroy.com and .net and they cost me about $40 all together. It's a small price to pay to be able to call someone up and be like, "Yeah, I own BakeandDestroy.com and you're violating my copyright so step off."
Any final last words?
I love you ladies. Seriously - I spent most of my life not knowing any cool girls and thinking I was doomed to be friends with boys and then all of the sudden, nearly 30, I find this treasure trove of women who inspire me, support me and make me laugh. It's awesome, I just want you to know that.

Keep moving forward...

2009-08-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

So it's been a busy month for BSS. And of course I've been lacking on the updates for the blog because of work, illness, and all sorts of other inconvenient things.
First off, we bring you the BSS website! http://www.bitchessewstitches.com/
You can now take us more seriously. Or not, because I sure as hell wouldn't.
Also, with the website we now offer ad space! If you're interested check it out here.
There's also BSS buttons now available! Be sure to pick some up, also available on our website.
There's definitely more brewing so keep tuned!

Bitch of the Month: July Miss Hell from Texas!

2009-08-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

Miss Hell From Texas

What is your craft?
Making jewelry out of doll house accessories, revamping furniture, snazzing up eyeglasses, stenciling, making purses, doing things with animal bones, I do a lot more but I will keep this list short.
Why do you craft?
I have always done crafts, I can remember ripping up my osh kosh begoshes and trying to make them into stuff when I was like 5 years old, and my mom beating my ass, they were all ugly and all turned out atrociously slutty for a kiddo but it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, I craft now for the same reason as before because Im bored and stores donâ€™t make what I want.
What are your sources of inspiration?
My first source of inspiration would have to be horror movies, Im obsessed so my crafts reflect that, second my husband whos a seriously sick individual he gives me a lot of gross ideas, also my son because I want him to be the coolest baby on the block. I'm also inspired by music, especially punk and classic country, old school tattoos, mid century modern designs, comics of course, run on sentences, and drug addicts.
What is your favorite beverage?
My favorite beverage is shiner bock beer and sierra Nevada porter Im a beer snob sometimes, but Ill also will drink a vintage 211, box wine, or old E
Where do you buy your favorite beverage?
H.E.B central market grocery stores and whole foods.
How did you come up with your business name?
N/A Ive never got around to setting up my etsy now that I have a 5 month old squirming all over the place, but soon I hope.
What is your weapon of choice?
Id probably be an accountant I think if I hadnt been day dreaming in school so much about things I could make later at home, I would have done a lot better in school, Id be bored I'm sure, without crafts whatâ€™s the point of living.
What would you be doing otherwise?
Id probably be an accountant I think if I hadnt been day dreaming in school so much about things I could make later at home, I would have done a lot better in school, Id be bored Im sure, without crafts whats the point of living.
Do you have any advice for other crafters?
If at first your crafts suck try and try again, and dont do it so that you can be good at something, or to impress someone, do it because its fun, also I keep a notebook to jot all my ideas down in so when I thinkof a good idea when I'm drunk or on the spur of the moment I donâ€™t forget it later. Also if you need further inspiration check out http://bitchessewstitches.proboards.com. Craft the motha up!
Any final last words?
The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. I try to think about that while crafting.

Tutorial: Bandana Pillows

2009-06-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

Brought to you by Miss Hell;
Project is perfect for sprucing up your dwelling on the cheap.

Bitch of the Month: Megan the girl wonder

2009-06-02T16:06:00.000-07:00

What is your craft?
I mostly make jewelry and what not. My big thing is sweater clips right now. I also dabble in sewing, knitting, crocheting, and all sorts of general crafts.
Why do you craft?
I craft because that's what I do. It's who I am. And you know what they say, "Idle hands are the devils playground"
What are your sources of inspiration?
Everything around me. I'm a big fan of people watching and just pick up things from everyone. I also take a lot from classic old movies, comic books, horror movies, and all kinds of stuff from the past. A big inspiration is the 1950s.
What is your favorite beverage?
Vanilla coke I am so happy they brought it back. I've always been known to enjoy me some King Cobra. Hahha!
Where do you buy your favorite beverage?
Jewel usually. Or the random shady liquor store for the King Cobra.
How did you come up with your business name?
I've always been a fan of the word swindle, and well it just kicks ass as a business name. It's a shame a lot of people don't get it though.
What is your weapon of choice?
I've found a knitting needle to the eye can take even the burliest man down.
What would you be doing otherwise?
Being a mindless zombie. Eating brains and the like. No but really I can't think of what I would be doing. Crafting is such a part of my life, I don't go a day without it.
Do you have any advice for other crafters?
Keep on truckin'. Don't let the man get you down. You know the usual lines. No but seriously keep at it, the worst thing you can do is stop crafting. The world needs more DIY.
Any final last words?
Sometimes I wish I could boldly go where no man has gone before... but I'll probably stay in Chicago.

Tutorial: Decoupage Candle Holder

2009-05-28T17:02:00.000-07:00

Via the lovely Ms Zanna;

Ingredients:
1 CLEAN glass candle holder of any shape or size
1 candle that will fit well in the glass (make sure it smells yummy !)
1 computer and printer to print out your images (I used images of old horror movie posters off of the internet)
1 pair of scissors
1 large paintbrush and a sponge roller or brayer
1 jar of Mod Podge
*Optional* Glitter, stickers, ribbon, etc.

Step 1) Find your images, print them out or cut them out of a magazine and cut all of them to your desired size/shape/whatever

Step 2) Take your CLEAN glass holder (remember to wash your glass with hot soapy water and dry it well or you might sabotage your project) and give it a nice coat of Mod Podge

* This step is entirely optional* I'm really A.nal about brush strokes, even strokes made by sponge brushes, so I use a sponge paint roller to even out the texture of the Mod Podge. Yes, I'm OCD, but hey at least my projects look nice Plus I like that it gives the glass a frosty look.

Step 3) Next, take your cut out images and place them carefully on your glass, smoothing out the wrinkles with a brayer or your sponge roller.

Step 4) Next, after all of your images are on the glass, give the images a nice coat of Mod Podge. After about 15 minutes, do it again.

*Optional* add some glitter, stickers, or tie a ribbon around your candle holder to finish it off.

Step 5) Light your candle and bask in the glow of your own awesomeness

Bitch Of The Month: Broke from Illinois

2009-05-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

What is your craft?
I have to pick one? I sew, make jewelry, and cast resin for Crossbones Couture. I also have training in lost wax casting and jewelry making, and pottery.
Why do you craft?
I craft because I love it. If I am not doing something creative, I feel lost. It also helps that it pays the bills! (well, most of the time anyways!)
What are your sources of inspiration?
I try to find inspiration everywhere. It is mostly in colors, when I am out and about, I keep a notebook in my purse, and write down color combinations or shapes that grab my attention. If I see someone bending down to grab a bag of soil at the garden center, and their shirt falls a certain way that looks interesting to me, I jot down a quick drawing. If I see a shirt, or shape that looks cool to me, I will turn that into the inspiration for a line of bags or purses. The inspiration for the newest line of purses, the rock and roll line, came from my love of music combines with my need for function in a bag as a mom of 2! Function for me always comes first, no matter what the design, it HAS to function well for the person using it.
What is your favorite beverage?
Pabst Blue Ribbon, or if I am feeling tame, good old Coke Classic.
Where do you buy your favorite beverage?
PBR is hard to find, so I have to go to the specialty liquor store, or the one in ghetto town! LOL!
How did you come up with your business name?
I needed to find a word that rhymed with skull, and I couldn’t, so I found one that rhymes with Crossbones. Plus, I am intrigued by couture in general.
What is your weapon of choice?
Words, followed by my fist. I have found my knee can also do some pretty hefty damage.
What would you be doing otherwise?
If I did not craft, I would most likely be sitting in an office job, sucking at my life. I actually went to college to be a drug and alcohol addictions counselor. Go figure.
Do you have any advice for other crafters?
Do what you love, and do not let anyone else tell you that what you are doing is wrong. When I first started Crossbones Couture, I was making items that I thought OTHER people would like. Yeah, they sold, but I was MISERABLE with my creative process. I decided to start making stuff that I would actually wear or use, and trying to break the mold. I am much happier, and my sales have started taking off!
Any final last words?
Sometimes, all you need is a large garbage can, some lye, and a place to dump the remains.

Crossbones Couture

Bitch Of The Month: SuperVixenBadGirl

2009-04-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

So I've been busy. And kinda neglecting the blog. But luckily Meggers was on top of things and figured out a bitch of the month. So without further ado, as she needs no introduction...

What is your craft?
Mainly, I make cigar box purses. But, I have been known to make house wares, clothing, jewelry, hair bows, and a scene.
Why do you craft?
It keeps me off the streets and alleviates pent up fury. Sadly, I have not been able to finish the numerous projects that are in various states of completion in my home due to the evils of formal education. I am now able to shoot fire out of my eyes because of this.
What are your sources of inspiration?
Pop culture of the past.
What is your favorite beverage?
Frappio Light Latte tall boys, with Tanqueray and tonic coming in at a close second.
Where do you buy your favorite beverage?
I cruise the Big Lots in the area until they have it on their shelves and then I buy their entire stock out. Tanqueray can be acquired at any dive, but finding Frappio at $0.60 a can is an adventure.
How did you come up with your business name?
I wrote a letter to someone using the tried and true ransom-style of cutting words out of magazines. I glued those 4 words side-by-side as my signature, and the rest is history.
What is your weapon of choice?
Sarcasm. But these fire shooting eyes are starting to come in handy.
What would you be doing otherwise?
Living the life of a Real Housewife of New York City.
Do you have any advice for other crafters?
Gorilla Glue expands 60x more than its original size when drying.
Any final last words?
If I live through this semester, a new line of purses will be out in June.

Check out her goods here: http://www.supervixenbadgirl.etsy.com

More to come later this month. I'm just up to my ears in sharks.

News Update

2009-03-16T11:21:00.000-07:00

Things you should do, check out, whatever.
First off we have a forum to make up for some things other popular forums were lacking (substance)
Join the official BSS forum and chat with your fellow bitches.
Let's get the ball rolling! Get on yakkin!
http://bitchessewstitches.proboards.com/index.cgi

March Craft Challenge
Might be a bit late, but get your St Patrick's day on.

Bitch of the Month: Tague

2009-03-16T11:18:00.000-07:00

Bitch Of The Month- March
Tague from Illinois

What is your craft?
lately it's been building shelving out of milk and soda crates. i sew a lot too, try to take things that would otherwise be trash and make them into something useful, crochet, and i used to make a lot of jewelry.
Why do you craft?
because i feel like i'm worthless if i'm not creating something at almost all times. lately crafting has taken a bit of a backseat to writing but i'm planning on making some little hand bound books here soon.
What are your sources of inspiration?
anything that makes me stop and think or makes my heart skip a beat.
What is your favorite beverage?
ARNOLD PALMERS. the black tea ones over the green tea ones. oh and whiskey. but i'm afraid of what the results of mixing the two would be.
Where do you buy your favorite beverage?
the palmers at whatever gas station or convenience marts seem to have them. i usually buy my booze at jewel or strack and van til.
How did you come up with your business name?
my friend jake used to randomly ask all the time "what if tague was a pterodactyl. and thus the moniker ptagueodactyl was born. i wish i had the time/funds to run the etsy right now.
What is your weapon of choice?
wit.
What would you be doing otherwise?
i don't even know what i would do if i could never craft. living in a padded cell maybe?
Do you have any advice for other crafters?
don't get all butthurt if someone doesn't like what you made. will it last? do you like it? if the answer to both of those questions is yes, it's all good.
Any final last words?
ummmm SAN DIMAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RULES!

Sorry this is so late, I'm a busy person. Nominate someone for next month's bitch of the month in the comments if you wish...

Tutorial: Bottle Cap Pin Cushions

2009-02-11T17:15:00.001-08:00

Via the lovely Miss Megan,
You'll need obviously a bottle cap, fabric, hot glue, some stuffing, a needle and thread and ribbon or other fabric scrap to cover the cap.
1. Measure out your circle, I use a ribbon spool but you can use a rim of a glass or other circular object. If you actually have an artistic bone in your body draw that circle yourself.

2.Cut out your circle.

3.Sew a running stitch all the way around the circle.

4.Plop a nice size of stuffing down in the center.

5.Tug on the thread to gather your stitches around the stuffing.

6.Fill your bottle cap with some glue. Check out that snazzy action shot.

7.Stick that sucker down in there.

8.Cover the cap with some ribbon, scrap fabric, paint it, or leave it be.

And voila! Sit back and enjoy your work.

Tell me why I don't like mondays...

2009-01-19T19:27:00.001-08:00

So it's the beginning of the week, time to dust off those projects and get working!
It's been really cool looking through the Flickr group and seeing all the projects thus far, if you haven't joined yet check it out: http://www.flickr.com/groups/bsscraft/

Reminder for those of you interested, we're still collecting recipes for the BSS cook book, I'm working on some design ideas for it, it's going to be awesome, submit and see your recipe with amazing typography.
Scroll down for more details.

Tutorial: Craft Book

2009-01-14T19:36:00.000-08:00

Brought to you by the lovely Ms Megan

Okay so I wrote a tutorial for a cute and simple craft book to hold your pins needles and scissors.

Materials
8X11 piece of fabric for your exterior
8X11 piece of fabric for your interior
8X11 piece of fusible interfacing
2 1/2X3 1/2 piece of fabric or felt for the needles
A scrap of fabric for the pin cushion, you can do it in shapes if you want, I made an eyeball one before.
Another smaller scrap to hold your scissors. No real size just so long it can fit over your scissors and hold them securely.
Some stuffing

1. Gather your materials.

2.Iron your interfacing to the wrong side of your exterior fabric so it is nice and thick.

3.Sew your felt to the right side of the interior fabric.

4.Sew 3 sides of your pin cushion to the right side of the interior fabric. I top stitched it but you can do it whatever way you want. Stuff it with the stuffing but don't put too much you want it full but also thin or it will make your book bulge. And then sew the 4th side. I also forgot to take pictures of this step.

5.Sew your smaller scrap for the scissors. I like to lay my scissors down and make sure it where it needs to be before I sew it.

6.Sew interior fabric and exterior fabric right sides facing. Sew three sides and then turn right side out. Fold over the edges of the 4th side and top stitch all the way the book. It helps it lay flat.

7.And your done. Fill with your crafty things and enjoy.

You can also stray from the instructions and add pockets or whatever to hold other crafty things I just like mine simple.

Tutorial: Fabric Flowers

2009-01-13T17:09:00.000-08:00

I'm lazy, it took awhile, but here you go. Make your own fabric flowers;

You will need:

Non Stretchy fabric (stole mine off part of a shirt I cut up)
A CD (circular object to trace, or a compass, I thought this was the perfect size)
A sharpie/colored Pencil to trace the CD with
Iron
Needle and thread
A button (not pictured)
A hot glue/ glue to attach the button with
And a bobby pin/ clip/ pin back/ whatever

1. Trace your cd five times onto your fabric using your sharpie/ colored pencil.

2.Then take your scissors and cut out the circles.

3. Now take your iron and iron your circles in half.

4. Repeat to make your circles into quarters.

5. Now take your needle and thread and put a running stitch through the bottom of the quarters

6. Finally stitch together in a circle

7. And there you go, glue a button in the middle, add a pin/clip to the back and you're good to go.

Happy New Years!

2009-01-04T12:13:00.000-08:00

So I slacked at updating, we've kinda been on hold because of school, work, life, whatever, but here's what is going on.

1. We start the new year with a craft challenge.
You may remember this from last time but we are once again having the 100 craft challenge! Think you can craft 100 things by the end of 2009? Anything you can think of! Decoupage, clothing, soap, candles, books, jewelry, home decor, whatever your mind thinks up! One type of item per day/crafting session counts as one, no matter how many you make. I will take a count of everyones crafts and post a tally at the end of each month. All you have to do is post your craft counts on PRD, this blog, tag us in the photo, send them in, and let us know what you have done!
We also have a flickr group for you to submit your pictures to.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/bsscraft
If you have any questions just let me know.

2. Built on Respect Cookbook
Well, the "ladies" of BSS are at it again! This time the challenge is recipes, because we are making a Cookbook to benefit Build on Respect. The cookbooks are slated to be ready for Valentine's Day. We don't know how much the books will be, that depends on how many recipes we get. We want all of you to send in your favorite recipe(s) and if you have a friend who is killer in the kitchen have them contribute too.

Even though we are trying to raise some funds for Build on Respect we don't want the cookbooks to end up costing too much. So, we decided we would go for some good old fashion sponsor action. There are three levels of sponsor, for ease of discussion lets call them Gold, Silver and Bronze. Gold Sponsors get their name and/or link in the book, in a larger font and an optional logo for 10 dollars. Silver Sponsors get the same in a smaller font for 5 dollars and in case this wasn't absolutely obvious Bronze will get the same in yet a smaller font. Oh, and that warm feeling you get from helping someone out! But, hey if you have money you want to throw around or would like to place an ad in the book email us @ bs.stitches@gmail.com

All monies raised (once the cost of the books is covered) will be given to Built on Respect.

Along with your recipe we are going to ask that you sign your name (prd or legal or whatever) on to a piece of white paper and either scan it or take a picture of it for us to use for the book. If this is somehow too hard for you to do, or not something you want to do, don't. Its completely optional.

Recipes can be emailed to bs.stitches@gmail.com

If you would like to contribute in some other way, please contact Meggers or Bean with your ideas or leave me a comment.

Bitch of the Month: The Power of the Bean

2009-01-04T12:11:00.000-08:00

What is your craft?
I do a little bit of a lot, I'm a photographer by trade, and I find myself playing with and manipulating pictures often. But, I also love melting plastic and am getting into melting glass and metal. I make sock monkeys, vases out of melted plastic, wooden charms, felt animals, shrink plastic everything. I like to screen print as well. I haven't met a craft I didn't like since counted cross stitch. I don't like following directions, so I make a lot of happy, messy accidents.
Why do you craft?
I have said this many times, about my music, my writing and my crafting, but it is the truth. It is what I do because it is who I am, and it is who I am because it is what I do. I can't not craft, I can't not alter things, I have to do it. Perhaps its a compulsion, perhaps it is passion. So much of life is impersonal and fake and crafting is my rebellion, it makes my world more me and more real. I also meet cool people and learn a lot. Some people see crafting as a way to pass time, but for me it is a way of learning more about myself. There also is a sense of accomplishment and pride you get from having an idea and then making it happen. I get cranky if I am unable to create for long periods of time. I get crafter's block, I don't know if other people get that, but it sucks as hard as writer's block. My mom is super crafty, so I've kinda always been around "arts and crap" as my brother calls it.
What are your sources of inspiration?
I'm honestly a really critical person, so I look at things as they are and think how could it be better. I read a lot of books, craft and others. I am on PunkRockDomestics a lot. Most of my friends are either artists, musicians or crafters on some level. I listen to a lot of music. The status of the world is my problem, crafting and DIY is my solution and PRD, craftbooks, art classes and ecetera are the tools. Or, perhaps I am the tool. Craft books piss me off, someone seriously awesome needs to write one, because the craft books that are out there are all flawed or lacking. It is like the writers are pulling punches, not giving you everything you need to do whatever it is. I never follow the directions, so maybe that is it.
What is your favorite beverage?
Diet Coke with Splenda. Seriously, I have an addiction. I'm also a big fan of Jack Daniels. That is pretty tacky of me, I know. Hell, they taste fantastic together. My favorite cocktail is Vanilla Coke and Captain Morgan's Special Reserve, its tastes like birthday cake. Although, this week I was introduced to Ice T and Rum, it was a good thing. I wish I liked water more.
Where do you buy your favorite beverage?
Meijer. Although, I'd really like to buy a mini soda fountain for my house, it would be way more eco friendly.
What is your weapon of choice?
I learned the correct way to punch a few weeks ago, so right now I'm a big fan of hitting people. I didn't actually know there was a wrong way to punch. Here is the key, keep your fist loose until impact, tighten on impact.
Do you have any advice for other crafters?
craft every day. even if it is just a small little nothing, or a part of a project. Make crafting a habit.
Organize your supplies, it prevents you from losing things, buying duplicates and it can help you stay inspired.
The super glue Future Glue Gel, is far superior to the old school super glue, it holds better but dries slower, so you have more room to make it perfect and you don't glue your fingers together as often.
Take pictures and keep them, create a digital portfolio of your past work.
Any final last words?
Coloring inside the lines is the worst thing you can make a child do. Think about what you are really teaching a child by telling them that their coloring is only good if it stays inside someone else's parameters. Why not teach children to draw their own pictures, and create their own lines? Why do people teach their children to fall in line so early?

Bitch of the Month: Brooke from Indiana

2008-11-06T19:56:00.000-08:00

We welcome a new feature to our crafty community; bitch of the month! Here we're going to highlight people who rock. And to start it off, we have Brooke from Indiana. Who is awesome. Broad blanket statement I know, but hell she's one of few people to submit stuff for our contests. And we like that. Now follow suite.

What is your craft? Mostly sewing, and lots of felt appliqués, but I've also been known to stencil or bead or melt things.
Why do you craft? It might be trite, but it's really a part of who I am at my most basic level. I need to use my hands to create things. I'll start to feel really antsy and I know I just need to make something.
What are your sources of inspiration? Tattoos, music, cats. Or tattoos of cats playing musical instruments.
What is your favorite beverage? Boozey- dirty grey goose martini. Non-boozey- Arizona Lite Arnold Palmer
Where do you buy your favorite beverage? There is only one gas staion that carries it in my area, and it's a Murphy station.
How did you come up with your business name? When I had my little girl (Viv, who's now 2), my husband and I were trying to think of the most obnoxious nicknames we could give her. Like ItsyBitsyBreath and Stinky Wizzleteets and things like that. So we called her "Poodlekins" for about a week and when it lost it's novelty, I thought it was an appropriately annoying but memorable name for my Etsy venture.
What is your weapon of choice? Craft-wise, a good ol' needle and thread are my faves, but I couldn't function without my sewing machine. Violence-wise, knuckle-dusters make it personal.
What would you be doing otherwise? Other than crafting, I actually do lots of stuff. I foster orphaned kittens, do home-school preschool with Viv, and I'm an official glove-weraing, case-carrying Avon Lady. I also like to bake, cook, get tattooed, watch horror movies, and hang out with fam, including all of the cats and dogs.
Do you have any advice for other crafters? Make sure that you create SOMETHING every week. Even if it's just an instant gratification thing like a simple beaded bracelet or decoupaged tin. If you don't make sure you keep sharp, you'll be more likely to put down your pinking shears and get lazy.
Any final last words? I'm glad that BSS is giving it another go. I love to craft within a community, and sometimes that gets bogged down in personalities and politics and just plain bullshit. Getting back to showing our craft work and inspiring each other is really what this whole thing should be about.

Check out her shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5051842

2008 Christmas Card Swap

2008-11-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

The moment you have all been waiting for has arrived! The 2008 BSS Christmas Card Swap is here!
Yes it's that time of the year again. Halloween is but a memory and the stores are stocked up the wazoo with the Christmas season. While all us bitches are hard at work on Christmas crafts and homemade presents. What a better way to celebrate the holiday season and brighten somebodys day at the same time?
For those of you who weren't involved last year, the idea of it is you message us your address and then we message you guys back the whole list. You in turn then make (or buy) christmas cards for the people on the list. It's a great oppurtunity to meet new people from all over the world.
So let's get this rolling. Send your addresses in today!
Deadline for the addresses is December 5th. That gives everyone a good 3 weeks to get organized.
For privacy reasons please keep the addresses in private messages. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Tutorial: Mod Podge Wallet

2008-11-06T19:47:00.000-08:00

Another glorious tutorial via Megan.
1.) Gather your materials. Clear Vinyl, Mod Podge, pictures to put inside the wallet, scissors, stuff to sew with and the optional nosy cat.

2.) Cut two (2) matching pieces of vinyl approximately 3"x9"

3.)Spread mod podge on one side of each piece of vinyl for a nice even coat.

4.)Place your pictures onto the mod podge facing down.

5.)Set them aside and let the mod podge dry.

6.) Cut out a piece of vinyl 2 3/4"x4". Sew it on one side of the vinyl with the picture facing up. Leave one side open so you can slide your ID inside.

7.) Cut a piece of vinyl 1 3/4"x4" and a piece 1"x4". Stack them on top of each other so the bottoms line up and sew them onto the other side of the vinyl with the ID pocket. Finish the wallet by sewing around the sides and bottom.

8.)Enjoy your new easy DIY wallet with endless ways of being customized.

Voila!

Tutorial: Earing Holder

2008-10-25T21:15:00.001-07:00

Via the lovely Ms Megan.
1) Okay first your going to want to take your box. I used a Christmas light box.

2) Then you want to cut off the front of the box only.

3) Then glue the sides together so it is nice and sturdy. (I'm out of glue so I used tape but I HIGHLY recommend that you use glue)

4) Next Take your fabric and cut a piece big enough to cover the box.

5) Wrap up the box like a Christmas present. (Once again USE GLUE)

6) And there you have it! A cheap and easy earring holder.

Add embellishments, hang it on the wall, do whatever your heart pleases. Amanda reccomends using hot glue for this, and then finding an old frame or whatnot to (spray) paint some random color and then glue to the box.

Tutorial: Vase from Pony Beads

2008-10-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

Via the lovely Ms Bean.

1) First get your stuff together.
Cookie Sheet, Tinfoil, about a pound of ponybeads. (I used mixed clear, but you can use any kind of plastic pony bead as long as it is not a painted ponybead, the paint burns.)

2)Line your pan with tinfoil or parchment paper

3) Put the beads on the pan, standing on end so that holes face up and down. This is the hard part. And, its not really hard just tedious. You can make designs or just do it random.

Do this on a counter close to the oven. I did it on the floor, in my room. Then I had to carry it from there to the kitchen and then I had to restand up some of the beads. Grr.

4) About half way thru this step turn your oven on to 375, and let it preheat.

So, carefully pick up the pan and put it GENTLY in the oven. if the beads fall over and you don't right them you will leave holes. Vases with holes don't hold water. but you can fix that later. but avoid it.

Now, check your pan after 10 minutes. Then after that you need to check it every 5 minutes until the beads are melted. You know its time when the holes are closed. if air bubble exist and you don't like it leave it in a little longer.

5)Okay, so work fast now. Take the pan out of the oven, and flip the melted beads and tinfoil over a wine bottle or whatever you have that you think will give you a good shape. Then using a pot holder work the beads into the shape you want.

See how i have the tinfoil down? SUCKAGE. It gives a better look, but its harder to get off, so its a toss up. Its not impossible, just as a warning. Do it either want.

Let it cool for a little bit, until you can handle it without it changing shape. Pull off all the tinfoil.

Flip it over.

Ta-da!

You are now done.

Unless, maybe you don't like the shape. If you don't like the shape, you can reheat it and try and move it some. Or use a heatgun. But, you could really fuck it up, so be careful and think about what gravity and heat is going to do when you reheat it.

And now you know! Feel free to send us pictures, video, whatever of your crafty creations!

Embroider-what?

2008-10-25T20:55:00.000-07:00

So it seems to be a big thing these days, what the hell am I talking about? Embroidery! So seeing as it already exists and I'm too lazy to take pictures of me pulling my hair out as I make holes in perfectly good tshirts, I give you a tutorial via threadbangers. Awesome DIY site, although not always aimed towards the subversive DIYer.

Of course it features sublime stitching- http://www.sublimestitching.com/

Awesome website for all your vintage-punk-rocka-whatever pattern needs.

Welcome!

2008-10-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the official Bitches Sew Stitches blog. Your source of all things crafty with a bit of that edge you need. We're a bunch of crafters from all over, and this here is our attempt to inspire and encourage the DIY spirit that has seemed to fade so much.

Check back for tutorials and more, with everything including but not limited to sewing (of course), cooking, crocheting, knitting, collage, painting, beading, embroidery, destroying things, creating things, and everything in between.