This page will continue to grow as I learn new skills. Here I’ll share the resources I used to help me.
Colour
Site – Kuler
A brilliant tool that we use in our web design work. Find thousands of beautiful colour themes and palettes. You can even create your own from a photo.
Site – Colour Symbolism and Psychology Wiki
Wikipedia entry on colour symbolism and psychology. There’s a section which lists various colours and their connotations.
Crafts (general)
Book - Readers Digest Complete Guide to Needlework
I’m told by those in the know that this is the bible of needlework craft books. I picked mine up for pence at a craft fair a couple of years ago.
Crochet
Remember that UK and European crochet stitches have different (but confusingly similar) names to US ones. So, before you start a crochet project make sure you know which stitch you’re making.
Book - Stitch ‘N Bitch Crochet, The Happy Hookers by Debbie Stoller
Debbie writes about crochet with such enthusiasm and clarity that you’ll be up and running in no time. Brilliant for beginners.
Video – The Knit Witch’s tutorial on making the chain stitch
The chain stitch is the very first step of a crochet project and this tutorial is nice and slow to help you get the hang of it.
Video – The Knit Witch’s tutorial on making the single stitch on the first row
The first row of crochet after the chain stitch is always the hardest and most frustrating. After that, it’s all gravy.
Video - Traditional Granny Square
There are variations on the granny square but this is the good old fashioned way. Here Teresa makes 5 rounds but the square can be as large or as small as you want.
Dressmaking
Video – Pressing tips using a dressmaker’s ham.
The goal of pressing is to shape the fabric, not flatten it
Site- Wikipedia description of a dressmaker’s ham with other sewing links
Site – Threads: Hit your mark with darts
Why we need darts when making a skirt and how to create them.
Video – How to sew a French seam
French seams are great for lightweight fabrics prone to fraying.
Fabric
Site - Wikipedia entry on types of textiles and their uses
Site – About.com’s glossary of fabric names and types
Smocking
I couldn’t find very much on the web in terms of smocking tutorials or ‘how tos’. So it may be worth you picking up a general crafting or smocking book at your library. You might even find one in a charity shop. That’s where I got quite a few of my books.
Video – Trellis stitch smocking tutorial
Things for Home
Cushions
‘How to Make a Cushion Cover‘ with a zip on Mooky Chick
Kirstie Allsop’s guide on ‘How to Make an Envelope Cushion Cover’