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My wife has recently taken up a hobby of quilting, and has told me she needs some high quality scissors, rotary cutter and a (self-healing???) cutting mat. A few more details inside, but I'm generally just looking for recommendations of some high quality equipment to buy for her. [more inside]
posted by noneuclidean on Nov 29, 2020 - 32 answers

I would like to handmake a cute winter hat for an infant, out of maximally soft, stretchy, warm materials. Sewing, knitting, crochet, or [other?] are all options. What should I make? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph on Nov 29, 2020 - 11 answers

I'm going to make some floor cushions like this out of heavy cotton drill fabric. Help me stuff 'em . [more inside]
posted by cilantro on Dec 26, 2017 - 13 answers

I'd like to make the Genoa Tote and I am looking for recommendations on where to buy the notions, including leather handles, a zipper, a key clip, and rivets. [more inside]
posted by john_snow on Jun 16, 2017 - 6 answers

I would like to learn how to cross stitch; I have never had any hobbies that involved cross stitch type skills (never tried knitting, sewing, crocheting, et cet.) but it looks awesome! How do I get started? [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter on Dec 10, 2016 - 14 answers

I'm helping a friend design a hand puppet out of a material that can be used with hook-and-loop fasteners (also known as Velcro). I remember helping my 3rd grade teacher cover a bulletin board with a smooth, low-pile, loopy fabric that velcro hooks would stick to; that fabric would be perfect. I remember it being pretty common in other classrooms in the 90's. What is this fabric called? [more inside]
posted by lemonadeheretic on Nov 25, 2016 - 3 answers

I was wondering if any Metafilter crafters could help my wife out with a sewing problem she's having? Here's her question: "I make felt animals, usually of the jointed variety. I draw my own patterns and sew by hand, and it's been going fine up till now, but the last two creatures I made have both had a weird bunching at the neck. I've tried altering the width of the necks, the gussets, basting in advance, what-all, but I can't figure out what the problem is... [more inside]
posted by lucien_reeve on Nov 14, 2015 - 20 answers

I am tasked with stocking up a Maker Space gallery that will be part of a museum. I'm very much a crafter and maker myself, but am looking for the Makers of MetaFilter to tell me your favorite tools, especially ones for small hands (we will be catering to kids and families, as young as 3 years old). We will be doing simple woodworking projects (already looking at Japanese Pull Saws), sewing, circuitry, paper art, lots of tinkering (including activities with recycled materials and new materials). We are focusing on "real" tools (no plastic Fisher Price kids stuff, please), and I expect to buy a couple different versions of some items (hammers for smaller people, hammers for bigger jobs). The tools will get lots of use, so I'm happy to spend a bit more if it means I don't have to constantly replace broken items. I am especially looking for specific recommendations for specific tools, reviews, or resources ("these sewing scissors are amazing for the price" or "don't buy this brand of clamp" or "this site sells very good quality paper punches"). Thanks in advance!
posted by leastlikelycowgirl on Sep 19, 2013 - 12 answers

My friends were interested in my recently acquired sewing machine and brought up the idea of a craft/sewing party. I have no idea how that would work. Help? [more inside]
posted by Durin's Bane on Feb 12, 2013 - 13 answers

Where should I take sewing classes in Portland, OR? [more inside]
posted by alan on Aug 17, 2007 - 9 answers