Austin

Wimberley Market Days

2009-04-04T11:02:00.000-07:00

My friend Shawnee and I headed out to Wimberley Market Days to look for some creative inspiration. Boy, it was hard to find. Where did all the artisans go? Is it the economy? Not sure, but there was booth after booth of tacky knock off handbags and oh so tackier jewelry. Not much inspiration to find, but below were a few of my favorite picks.

I love these resin coated scrabble pendants. A friend gave me one to wear when I was pregnant. Very cute.

Heck of a Year

2009-02-14T16:50:00.000-08:00

Well, totally off the crafting topic...I'm sitting here in my daughter's hospital room, trying to process all that has happened this year. If you haven't heard, I gave birth to a beautiful daughter, Sadie Pearl, on January 17th. She is the light of my life. Unfortunately, she and I both have had to struggle through a series of unforeseen illnesses and hospital visits since her birth. I naively thought after a difficult pregnancy, that I'd be able to easily deliver my baby and leap back into teaching and working full time at my beloved Craft-O-Rama. Apparently, God has other plans.

For the past two wonderful years, I have put my heart, soul, all my money and time into Craft-O-Rama. It has been my baby, and I have loved every minute of it. However, I now have little Sadie who needs me, and there is not enough room in my life for both. Craft-O-Rama requires my attention, creativity and financing in a way that would leave little room for sleep or Sadie. I hate to even have to make a choice, but as all you Mommas out there would agree, there is no choice. She is the light of my life.

I am working on creative ways to keep the classes going, like a mobile class kind of thing....just not a permanent expensive setting. I'll keep working on our Craft-O-Rama stitch kits and some other fun projects from home. Who knows, maybe in a year or two, when Sadie is a big girl, and the economy gets a little better, we'll have another store front. Alot can happen in two years and plans can change.

Until then, I want to send out a heartfelt thank you to all of you that have supported Craft-O-Rama and especially those who have supported me personally. I've come to know some amazing folks and gratefully appreciate you.

I'll be sending out a newsletter in the next couple of days, with all the closing and sale details.

xoxoxo,

Hayley

New! What is your thoughts?

2009-01-29T09:09:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that January is already on it's way out? This month has gone by so fast! We have been keeping ourselves very busy with classes here at Craft O Rama, and we have some adorable new ones for you guys in February.

Pom Pom Socks anyone?

Feeling that early spring bug? How about Amy Butler's Sun Surf Halter?

Applique Tea Towels!

There are more dandy classes listed on our website.

Do you have any suggestions for class ideas? Would you like your supplies to be all picked and ready and included?
We are looking for ideas! Please post your ideas as comments.
xoxo
b

There must be something in the water...

2009-01-22T11:36:00.000-08:00

Baby fever has set in around here, and it happens to be good crafty fun!
In celebration of dear little Sadie, I have been knitting up some adorable booties. I can't stop knitting them! They really are that much fun. So I am sharing the pattern with you.

Baby Mary Jane Booties
..for 0-6 months...
You'll need some sport weight yarn, washable is preferred, US size 3 straight knitting needles, stitch holder, and a few buttons.

Pattern:

For the Left Bootie-
CO 31 Stitches
R1- Knit all stitches.
R2- k1, m1, k14, m1, k1, m1, k14, m1, k1 (35 sts)
R3- Knit
R4- k2, m1, k14, m1, k3, m1, k14, m1, k2 (39 sts)
R5- Knit
R6- k3, m1, k14, m1, k5, m1, k14, m1, k3 (42 sts)
R7- Knit
R8- k4, m1, k13, m1, k7, m1, k14, m1, k4 (47 sts)
R9-17 - Knit all stitches.
R18- K15, ssk 4 times, k1, k2tog 4 times, k15 (39 sts)
R19- Knit
R20- k9, beginning with next 2 sts, bind off 21 sts, and then knit across remaining 9 sts. Put the first set of 9 stitches onto a stitch holder.
R21-23- Knit 9 sts on needle. BO, cut yarn.
Rejoin yarn where you started binding off 21 stitches and CO 12 stitches.
R21-Knit across 12 new stitches and the 9 from holder.
R22- Buttonhole row- k18, k2tog, yo, k2.
R23- Knit
Bind off all stitches.

For the right bootie, work same as for the left one through row 20.
R21- k9 stitches on needle, turn work, and cast on 12 stitches at the end of the row.
R22- K21 sts.
R23- Buttonhole row- k18, k2tog, yo, k1
R24- Knit all 21 sts.
Bind off all stitches.
Cut a long yarn take to weave in later.
Rejoin yarn to stitches on holder, and knit 9 stitches on holder for 2 rows.
Bind off.

To finish, Fold bootie with the wrong sides together and whip stitch along heel and sole of bootie. Sew on buttons, weave in all tails.
Voila!!
xoxo
becky

Sadie Pearl

2009-01-20T15:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome the newest (and cutest) addition to the Craft-O-Rama Family, Sadie Pearl!! She was born on Saturday night, weighing 8 lbs and 10 ounces.
Congratulations to Hayley, we are all so proud.
xoxo
becky

We're in Southern Living

2009-01-10T11:25:00.000-08:00

You can see our lovely store in the January 2009 issue of Southern Living!

Thanks to all the support from the Austin Craft Mafia. We love you crafty ladies.

Happy New Year!!

2008-12-30T14:48:00.001-08:00

Here's to good cheer and new fabric!
xoxo
B

Leaf Printed Pillow

2008-12-20T09:56:00.000-08:00

Last month we offered a class on printing with found leaves onto fabric, and then sewing up your printed fabric into a pillow. I got the idea from Lotta Jansdotter's lovely book, Lotta's Prints. I appreciate the simplicity of the process and the individual differences of each print. It's interesting to think about what you can make prints with.
Since the class is not continuing in January, I wanted to share the how-to with you!

Materials:
-Leaves and Branches. These can be dry or green, sparse or dense, large or small.
-Paint. We used regular acrylic paint in the class, but any fabric or permanent paint will work.
-Cotton Fabric.
-Newspaper, stipple brushes or scrap fabric, paper plates.
-Sewing machine and sewing supplies.

1. On your fabric, mark the size of your front pillow piece and draw a frame with chalk. Typical sizes are 12"x 12", 15" x 15", 12" x 18".

2. Gather your materials and think about composition and color. Do you want to repeatedly print with the same branch across? Or just print a single branch diagonally? Play around before you print.

3. Place the leaf or branch on newspaper, with the back side up. The back of the leaves and branches will have more detail when you print. Use a stipple brush or scrap fabric piece to blot paint onto leaves. Use a good amount of paint.

4. Be sure to put a piece of newspaper under the fabric you'll be printing on, or between the layers of your fabric. Transfer your leaf onto the fabric with paint side down. Place a clean piece of newspaper over the leaf and fabric. Press with your fingers and side of your fist all over the branch. Be sure to keep it steady. You'll have to press fairly hard to get a clean print. Repeat for as many prints as you want to make.

4. Let the paint dry.

5. Cut our the dimensions of your pillow, leaving a good seam allowance. Sew it up, stuff it, or place over another pillow.. that's it!

You can print like this on anything. Curtains, tote bags, wrap skirts, even your walls!

xo,
Becky

Winter Fair at the Waldorf School

2008-12-18T09:28:00.000-08:00

A few weekends ago we had the pleasure of having a table at the Waldorf School's Winter Fair. I have never been there personally, but I had always heard such wonderful things about it, so I was excited to take care of our little table. We had all our Stitch Kits set up in rows, some pincushions,

and a few things from my etsy shop for good measure.

The school is amazing. I am jealous that I had to suffer through the joke of regular public school. The fair was magical, whimsical, campy, crafty, and fun.
We were lucky enough to get to be next to my BFF, Amanda Jones of Venus Art. She makes the most wonderful yarn and trinkets. One of these days I am going to splurge on some of her hysterical yarns. Maybe Santa will bring it for me? :)
It was so festive and fantastic.
Beth Berry, one of our talented class teachers, was also there with a table. Her crafts blew me away! She is so talented. I am kicking myself for not taking photos of her 'Fairy Houses', cork 'Mushroom Men' with little knitted hats, dresses, and baby bibs. So good, and so inspiring!

xo,
becky

..Gift O Rama...

2008-12-11T15:25:00.000-08:00

The holidays. For many a crafty person, well, I'll speak for myself, it's time to start whipping up some handmade goodness for friends and family. I often have good intentions, but time seems to escape me. So I turn to little cute project ideas or supplies for my crafty friends. For the not so craftily inclined, I hope an easy little kit will inspire some creativity.
So thinking about this, I have come up with a few gift ideas.

For the Knitter:

*a knitty needle case made by moi, knitting needles, sparkle yarn by Vickie, a knitted tree sachet, and handmade gift tags to wrap it together with by venus art. Me Gusta!

For the Quilter:

*a Craft-O-Rama wrist pincushion kit, fancy little flower pins, a tape measure, and a few fat quarter bundles..both patterned and solid.

For the Stitcher:

* a few choice sublime stitching embroidery patterns, t shirt stabilizer, and a rainbow of floss. (sorry about the sideways photo, it wouldn't cooperate)

For a Kiddo or New Crafter:

*a few ADORABLE hand sewing patterns from wee wonderfuls, felt and fabric fat quarters, and a needle pack.

I love the holidays!
xo,
Becky

Bearded Ladies Present

2008-11-28T09:40:00.000-08:00

Have you heard the news? On April 18, 2009, the bearded ladies are organizing a craft shin-dig that promises a wonderful time.

Created by Sisters Anne Marie Beard and Allison Wall, we can only expect a great event. For more information, please check out their website, thebeardedladiespresent.com for the latest information regarding the event.

Felty Weather

2008-11-18T11:55:00.000-08:00

Ahh, it's that special time in Austin when the air smells clean and it feels a touch like fall. The past few chilly evenings have prompted me to turn on my gas fireplace, snuggle in with my puppy and kitty, and start my own knit storm. I love it.
This morning we received some new goodies, including new felting supplies and an adorable sea turtle kit from wool pets. I'm in love! With all these things coinciding on my Tuesday, I was
inspired to re-work our knitting/crochet/felting shelf and share the fuzzy goodness with you.

Wool Pets:

Roving:

We have carried Lamb's Pride yarn in the store for quite some time, but we have recently replenished our stock.
Enjoy the rainbow:

And we have my favorite yarn by Vickie Howell, Vegas! The colors are lovely and the glittery effect is amazing. I think it would make a beautiful holiday-ish cowl. Plus, it is made with wool and soysilk fibers, which is interesting and green.
This photo does not do this yarn justice...so I guess you'll just have to see it in person.

Finally, let's talk about Hysterical Yarns made by my bff, Amanda Jones. Check on her lovely goods at venusart.org. It's GORGEOUS!!! If anyone wants to buy me the perfect xmas present, this would be it.
Drool...

xo,
Becky

Tasty New Treats Arriving this Week!

2008-11-12T12:37:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Perkins' Amazing Casa

2008-11-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

I am in love with this lady's house. It's so great, witty, interesting, fun, and so very Jennifer Perkins. We love you, Jen, and we ADORE your house!!!
These are a few of my favorite photos from Apartment Therapy's article about her South Austin home.

Please check out the whole review on their site. Make sure to spread the love with some comments.
She will be teaching some classic Naughty Secretary Club style jewelry classes soon, so be on the lookout for those dates.

xoxo

Darling Drawstring Dress Class

2008-11-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

I was so thrilled with the different versions of this simple dress that was made during my class a few weeks ago. I wanted to share their lovely creations. Way to go ladies!
Here's what they made:

New Arrivals this Week

2008-10-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

Maker Faire and Bill Murray

2008-10-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

We had such an amazing time at Maker Faire. There were so many lovely things to see, lots of people to be inspired by, and then there was Bill Murray.

Yeah, Bill Murray.

Needless to say, instead of taking photos of all the crafty wonders to be had, I decided to focus my lens on Bill Murray and his infatuation with furry hats.
Sigh. I kinda wanted to make out with him. Just a little bit.

At least I got a photo of our table.

We did debut all our new Stitch Kits (which are all available on Etsy), and they were a success! Very cute.

Oven Mitt How-To

2008-10-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

There are definitely some exciting classes coming up for November, one of them being an oven mitt and matching apron. I thought I would show how to make a little oven mitt here.

Step 1: Cut out all the pattern pieces. You'll have a 2 pieces from a lining fabric, and 2 from an exterior fabric, plus 2 pieces of wool batting. I used regular cotton batting for the class sample, but you'd probably want wool so it'll be more heat proof.

Step 2: Make a 'sandwich' with the lining fabric, batting, and exterior fabric. Bind all 3 pieces together by quilting a free form spiral from the center out.

Step 3: Stitch along the outer edge of your mitt, leaving an opening for your hand. Clip around the edges and turn right side out.

Step 4: Using a 2 inch wide strip of the contrasting fabric, fold and iron to make a nice strip of binding. You can pin the binding along the raw edge of your mitt, or it you're brave (or lazy like me), you can hold and tuck as you sew. Use a remaining piece of binding for a little hanging loop, and attach at the opposite seam as your thumb.

That's it! Now you have a dandy oven mitt.

Pincushion Mania!!

2008-10-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

Dang. It's crunch time for Maker Faire! This is so exciting, but we have a lot of work left to do. Here's a sneak peek at some of the goodies you can expect to find at our booth. Enjoy!

New Month, New Fabric, New Things

2008-10-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Sorry it's been ridiculously long since the last post. I am a little ashamed, but I promise that October is definitely the month of ACTION!! There are so many exciting things happening for us this month.
-new sewing, knitting, business, and crochet classes
-autumnal fabrics
-MAKER FAIRE, oh yeah.
-and hopefully a crispness in the Austin air...hopefully.

Here are the new fabrics we received today...magical:

And this is a little sneak peek of new Stitch Kits that will debut at our Maker Faire booth. They will soon after be available on out etsy store and in physical store. Their cute little faces make me happy.

More to come, and much more often!! Seriously. Failure is not allowed during the month of ACTION.

Mmmm, mmmm

2008-09-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

Yummy new treats in today from Alexander Henry. That's it, ta ta for now!

Be Sure to Attend........

2008-08-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

This Saturday's book release party for Jennifer Perkins of Naughty Secretary Club! Join us here at Craft-O-Rama from 3pm-5pm for lots o' fun including craft making, demonstrations from the book, door prizes and giveaways, not to mention yummy treats and drinks.

There will also be lots of Jen's new book "The Working Girls Guide to Handmade Jewelry" available for purchase and signing during the event.

If that wasn't enough to get you out of the house Craft Magazine will be releasing their 8th issue the very same day here at Craft-O-Rama as well!

Here's the skinny: Saturday 8/30 from 3pm-5pm
Craft-O-Rama
3100 S. Congress Ave. #3B
Austin, Tx 78704
We are across from St. Edwards University and right behind Amy's Ice Cream, if you need help with directions feel free to call us at 512-707-2405. See you soon!

Summer's End

2008-08-15T14:55:00.001-07:00

Just a quick shout out to all you crafty kids that made their way through here this summer: You Rock! I couldn't put up all the photos, but just wanted to say I'll miss your excitement and creativity while you are at school this year! Keep on creating!

Some came through here as friends, some made friends while they were here, but everyone left with the thrill of making something great all on their own.

And he didn't think we'd make anything cool.......could you get any cooler than a one of a kind vintage looking screen printed KISS t-shirt? I don't think so....keep on a rockin'.

Did I mention how much you teenage girlies chit chat?? Wow, it was hard to get a word in but I sure enjoyed being around your enthusiasm and fun young spirits. You'll all make great young women someday soon, hope to know you then!

Finally, our hottest class on the menu...Sock Monkey Mania! So fun. Have a great time in school and hope to see you all next year!!

XOXOXO,
Craft-O-Rama

I'm a terrible blogger, oh and new arrivals

2008-08-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

So sorry I've been away. It's been a while, I know. Can't say why for sure, maybe the summer heat. Maybe because there has been too much to do, like eating ice cream from Amy's next door. I have a good excuse for that behavior though, see below. Anywho, don't the hedgehog fabrics make up for it??

More excuses for not blogging go like this: I don't know what to say. It's been a long hot summer. It's really hot in Texas. Boy it's too hot to do anything. The cuteness of the animal village fabric should make it better though.

Who doesn't love pandas?

Oh right, back to the not blogging excuses. I've got the best one yet: I'm preggers. Yep, amount 5 months worth, super pumped not only for the joyous blessing but also for the best excuse ever for not doing things I need to do. Try it, it really works. Pregnancy gives you a really good excuse for lots of things like crankiness, eating too much, being down right lazy and of course for not blogging.

Designer Fabric Super Sale!

2008-06-26T15:58:00.000-07:00

Does everyone know of local fashion designer Linda Asaf? She was just named Austin's Favorite Fashion Designer in Rare Magazine's Rarest of Them All issue. Anywho, she is having a big sale on designer dress fabrics out of her studio on West 6th Street. Fabrics will be set at bargain prices, so if you have the need be sure to check out this once in a very blue moon event!

When:
Now through July 15th, Thursdays - Saturdays from 12pm-6pm or by appointment.
Where:
Linda Asaf Studio, 1405 W. 6th Street, Austin, TX 619-3303
What:
Designer fabrics including silks, silk chiffon, organza, shantung, satin, brocades, taffeta, and much much more!!

Big Boxes

2008-06-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

I love when the UPS man arrives, and I always seem to forget what could possibly be in the box. Well, this time the new round of Midwest Modern from Amy Butler,

and the latest yummy delicious round of Drawing Room from Anna Maria Horner. By the way, I just ordered her next quilt fabric line called Garden Party and honestly, really, it is my favorite fabric line ever. EVER. I hope you love it too. Pretty sure you will.

Fab Fabrics

2008-06-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

Got some new fabric in from Joel Dewberry today! "Ginseng" prints are 54" wide home decor weight cotton sateen fabrics...yummy.

Jewelry Classes with Jennifer Perkins

2008-06-03T17:39:00.000-07:00

Last month we had the fortune of having the lovely Jennifer Perkins of Naughty Secretary Club teach a couple of awesome jewelry classes here. Above is a photo of the girls at the end of the Charm Bracelet Class. I was so jealous that I had to do paperwork, because the beading options alone was killer. Jennifer brought the best and funkiest bead selection ever.

There were so many options, all the girls made totally unique and different creations!

Anywho, coming up this month we've got three new classes with Jennifer:

Charm Bracelet and Earring Class - Saturday, June 21st from 11am-1pm
Fabric Jewelry Class - Thursday, June 19th from 6:30-8:30pm
Collage Cuties Class - Tuesday June 17th from 6:30-8:30pm

Each class is only $40 bucks and includes all the materials. Email us to sign up at info@austincraftorama.com and check out the website for all the juicy details.

Here are just a few examples of the outrageous creations you can make in the fabric jewelry and paper jewelry classes!

Crafty, Crafty

2008-05-28T17:11:00.001-07:00

Ever had one of those icky plastic wrist pincushions? They are sticky, uncomfortable and pretty much unbearable. Well at our last craft night, we put our troubles to rest by creating some super sweet fabric wrist cushions that are not only comfy, but stylish as well!

Adding the finishing touch of the button, love the glitter.

Look how in to it everyone is, or are they just avoiding the camera?

Crafty wrist pincushions unite! The next Craft Night is Thursday 6/12 and we are making appliques! Bring something to applique on and we'll supply the patterns, fabrics and instruction. Bring your friends, your drink and snack and join us for some crafty fun!

New New New!

2008-05-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

New round of Midwest Modern, just in today!

Cute new Yoga Monkey prints from Michael Miller Fabrics came in today.

A few more of the lovely Drawing Room (even more to come), by Anna Maria Horner!

Oh Anna....

2008-05-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, this first group isn't Anna, but I'm not technically savvy. Above is some fun home dec cupcake fabric. Perfect for tablecloths and such!

Now onto my new obsession. Oh Anna Maria Horner, you rock my world. Your new fabric line "Drawing Room" arrived today (more on the way) and I want to take it all home and for my very own. Love, love, love the colors and big bold graphic prints! Thank you.

Oh Happy Day!

2008-04-16T11:01:00.001-07:00

New Midwest Moder prints from Amy Butler just in. More coming soon in more colorways!

Classic Amy Butler prints from the Belle Collection, perfect for spring garments!

Cute new vintage inspired prints from Jennifer Paganelli for Free Spirit Fabrics!

Ginger Blossom

2008-04-10T12:02:00.001-07:00

Check out these new beautiful prints from Sandi Henderson for Michael Miller Fabrics. We heard this is the best selling group ever for Michael Miller. We can definitely see why, they are oh so pretty! We should more of this group in the pink colorway in a couple of weeks. Yippee!

Somebody's Turning 1!

2008-04-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

Oh my, has it been a year already?? Craft-O-Rama is one year old this month, can you even believe it? To all you wonderful, wonderful customers and supporters out there, I personally want to thank each and every one of you for making this all possible! I am greatful for the opportunity to get to know you and serve your crafty needs. This was a dream of mine for a long time and your support and kindness has made it a reality. Thank you crafty Austin!!

With one year under our belt, I've been spending some time reflecting and looking towards the future. This year will be packed full of exciting new things, I can't wait to share them with you!

All that being said, please mark your calendar to attend our Birthday Party! Thursday, April 17th from 6:30pm-9:30 here at Craft-O-Rama. There will be drinks and treats, special prizes and drawings, crafty fun, and some kind of super secret sale! Hope to see you there!

Love,

Hayley

Fun New Stuff

2008-04-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

New folklorio prints in from Alexander Henry. I love these colors, there is not nearly enough black used in fabric these days. I love the way color pops off of a black background, how cool!

Oh my goodness....Flutterby arrived from Moda Fabrics yesterday. This is the new fabric line from Moda's designer Tula Pink. Linda and I are crazy about this line, hard to see in the photo but the print on the right are snails that look like a floral print. The two dot prints are little lady bugs. Spring has sprung!

Confetti Eggs!

2008-03-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

What a fun night of crafting we had before Easter, making confetti eggs! I have many fond memories of smashing eggs when I was little, so this was super fun!

Here's Emma and the boys (Emma's my niece, and this pose is the normal "deer caught in headlights" pose she usually makes when being photographed unwillingly) decorating eggs.

Special thanks to my sister for helping me empty 9 dozen eggs for craft night!

New Arrivals!

2008-03-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

Amy Butler sweetness.

Michael Miller Dandy Damask and Mirror Ball Dot. Gotta love glitter on fabric!

Moda's Wee Play, I think that oval print is one of my favorites....ever.

Hysterical Yarns

2008-03-06T11:41:00.001-08:00

Have you ever seen such a luscious batch of yarns? From our favorite crafty gal Amanda Jones comes 4 new delicious skeins of her world famous hand spun yarn. Amanda sells her yarn here at the shop and at her Etsy shop! Get them while they are hot!

What's what!

2008-02-27T10:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I know we've been low on Amy Butler prints. I just sells too darn fast. Anywho, got a few more prints in for all you addicts out there.

Peace and Love baby! from Alexander Henry of course.

Giddy up!
Here birdy, birdy! So fresh and springy!

So, here's the scoop on what enticing goodies are coming:

Ginger Blossom from Michael Miller Fabrics - arriving in 2 weeks!

Ginseng from Joel Dewberry - arriving in May/June

Midwest Modern by Amy Butler - arriving in April

Drawing Room by Anna Maria Horner - arriving in May/June

We'll post photos as they arrive! Happy planning!

Martha Stewart!

2008-02-27T10:10:00.001-08:00

One of our fantastic customers, Christy Hodgson, of Bella Blu Designs was on the Martha Stewart show, on Tuesday, Feb. 26th. I haven't gotten to see the episode yet, but I know lots of awesome Craft-O-Rama fabric made it's way onto the show!

Wanna know how to make these adorable onesies? Check it out HERE!

New Fabrics In!

2008-02-15T08:52:00.000-08:00

New fabrics in from Jackie Shapiro of Windham Fabrics! This poppy line is called "Botanical Pop"!

This little group is a Marcus Brothers line called "Come Quilt with Me", pretty retro and fun.

Watch this Movie!

2008-02-15T08:11:00.000-08:00

Have you seen this movie? I finally got to watch this movie last night, and let me say, I was blown away! Across the Universe is one of the most beautifully imaginative films I've ever seen! The music was incredible, wonderful arrangements of songs from the Beatles......I've never been a huge Beatles fan, but I've got to have that soundtrack. My favorite part, were the costumes! Designed by Albert Wolsky, long time costume designer of films like Grease, Bugsy, All that Jazz and Striptease (why?), the clothing was so fantastic he got himself a nomination for an Oscar!

Fabric Heaven

2008-02-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

What's better for you than crack, but just as addicting.......you guessed it, new Spring fabrics! Above are a few of the coolest home dec weight Alexander Henry prints ever! Then below we have Swell by Urban Chicks for Moda. These prints make my heart go pitter patter. We got these in last week, and I'm afraid the are selling too fast! That one bolt in the middle is hanging on by a thread. Sorry, I'm feeling a little silly today.

Funky Funky Sock Monkeys!

2008-02-10T11:01:00.001-08:00

Ooooh sock monkey fun! Last Thursday night, at craft night, we had a great time putting together these cool modern monkeys!

All boys, and five adults.....you should of seen these boys working away, using the sewing machines and everything!

And then there is crafty Momma to be (for the 4th time), Kimberley, and her two oldest boys. I think she made the most beautiful sock monkey I'd ever seen!

Our next craft night is Thursday the 21st (which happens to be my birthday, hint, hint) so we'd love to have you! Send us an email at info@austincraftorama.com if you'd like to come on down.

Spring Fabrics!

2008-01-29T09:51:00.000-08:00

New spring fabrics are starting to arrive! Yay! This is my favorite time of year, opening the boxes that come from UPS are so exciting, it's like Christmas.....even better. New round today of awesomely fun Alexander Henry Prints

Cowgirl Fun!

These lady bugs look so real.....it's a photo image, love it.

Fashionista, bright spring colors, my fave.

Gotta love the tattoo, little bigger print than last years...but ever so cool.

"Sew Everything Workshop"

2008-01-20T13:42:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to Diana Rupp, author of "Sew Everything Workshop" and founder of Make in NYC!

We had a great time with Diana, she was down in Austin promoting her fantastic book and came by to make some awesome fabric Valentines with some crafty folks! Using blank note cards and envelopes, she showed us how to cut out cute little designs from the fabrics, add interfacing to the back, and then how to sew the fabric onto the cards using our machines and decorative stitches. Thank you, we had a blast!!

If you don't have "Sew Everything Workshop", you've got to check it out, it's one of the most comprehensive and easy to read sewing books with lots of patterns to use as well.

My very first blog!

2008-01-16T15:43:00.000-08:00

Well, finally. I'm a late bloomer, always have been always will be. I have this great little shop in Austin, TX called Craft-O-Rama. We have great classes in sewing, knitting and crochet, not to mention the bad ass crafty supplies we sell here!

Open since April 2007, it's been an amazing ride and I can't wait to see what's to come in 2008! Stayed tuned for all the latest info on new fabric shipments, special events and classes.