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Craft Test Dummies

The Crafting Blog for Crafters, By Crafters

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DCWV Adhesive Fabric Stack

March 11, 2014

When I shared my favorite new items from CHA this past January, the DCWV Adhesive Fabric Stack was hands-down one of the products that I was most excited about. It’s time to dig in and see how it works! Now, this product is still so new that DCWV doesn’t have very much on it’s site yet about it. As it states: Try these with your personal die-cutting machines or paper-crafting machines to cut out intricate shapes. Our fabric paper is […]

Posted in Craft Product Reviews, Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts, Paper Crafts |

Quilting: Half Square Triangles with Triangle Paper

December 30, 2013

half square triangle scrappy stripes

If you’ve ever tried quilting, you’ve probably encountered the half square triangle. The half square triangle, or HST, is a square made of two right-triangles. The seam connecting the two triangles runs through the middle of the square from corner to corner. Right along the bias. In woven fabric, the fabric most commonly used in quilting, the threads running one way are called the “warp” (parallel to the selvedge), and the other way is the “weft” (perpendicular to the selvedge). […]

Posted in Craft Product Reviews, Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts |

Brother Scan N Cut: Part 1, Paper Scanning and Cutting

December 18, 2013

Last Spring I was a guest on Scrapbook Soup and I got an eyeful of a new digital die cutting machine- one with an integrated scanner- the Brother Scan N Cut! I was literally salivating with the possibilities! I couldn’t even hold my horses to see if they would send me a review copy- I went ahead and ordered one from Amazon! But first things first. Here’s how it’s described on the website: The secret to ScanNCut’s amazing versatility lies […]

Posted in Craft Product Reviews, Crafty Tools, Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts, Paper Crafts |

Craft Tool Review: AccuQuilt GO! Baby Fabric Cutter

November 25, 2013

Guys, something wonderful happened to me last week in the craft studio: I fell absolutely head over heels in love with my new AccuQuilt GO! Baby fabric cutter. Now, I wouldn’t generally get so worked up about a die cutter, but the GO! Baby made cutting fabric so easy that I never, ever want to go back to scissors and rotary cutters again. First, some background: The generous folks at AccuQuilt kindly sent me a GO! Baby machine in advance […]

Posted in Craft Product Reviews, Crafty Tools, Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts |

Clover Create-a-Strap Review

October 24, 2013

clover create a strap

When I reviewed Nancy Zieman’s Trace N Create Tablet Keeper pattern, I had no idea I was about to fall in love. This wasn’t the gentle, slip into love… this was heart-stopping love. I completely fell for the Clover Create a Strap. I have no idea where this product has been all my life. I’ve been making straps the hard way for a long, long time. The Create a Strap is a system that makes creating perfect straps effortless. Here […]

Posted in Craft Product Reviews, Crafty Tools, Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts |

Best Press – a Starch Alternative

October 8, 2013

Have you used Best Press - a great starch alternative when working with fabric

I’ve been quilting since I was 12, though my love for fabric started at an earlier age. Several years ago I was able to fulfil a long-time fantasy of mine (and of many quilters) – I worked at a quilt shop. There are many amazing things about working in a quilt shop – being surrounded by beautiful fabrics, getting to tear into boxes filled with brand-new bolts of fabric, being surrounded by like-minded ladies (and men!), and getting to swap […]

Posted in Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts |

Fiskars Amplify RazorEdge Shears Fabric Shears

September 26, 2013

If you sew, you know that a good pair of shears (scissors) can make or break a project. You need a nice, smooth cut, a pair that sits well in your hands, and ones that don’t crap out when cutting through thick layers. The new Fiskars Amplify RazorEdge Shears are honestly the most amazing non-spring action fabric shears I’ve ever used. First, let’s learn how they are described by Fiskars: Designed to cut thick and heavy fabrics, these premium fabric […]

Posted in Craft Product Reviews, Crafty Tools, Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts |

Nancy Zieman Trace n Create Tablet Keeper Pattern

September 18, 2013

Nancy Zieman Trace N Create Technology Folder

When I was first asked to review the Nancy Zieman Trace n Create Tablet Keeper Pattern, I had mixed feelings. I have a Samsung Galaxy 10 Tablet that needed a new case – it was suffering in an iPad case that was a poor fit. But, I’m not a fan of templates. Still, I thought I could give it a shot… I like my finished result, but there were some hiccups along the way… but, first things first. Here is […]

Posted in Crafty Tools, Fabric Crafts, Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts |

Craft Tool Review: Clover Weaving Sticks

September 17, 2013

In the mood for a quick stash-busting yarn craft? The new Weaving Sticks from Clover USA definitely fit the bill! Super-easy and way faster than knitting or crochet, these portable weaving sticks are a fun alternative to more complex yarn crafts, and are a great option for whipping up accessories and simple projects. Clover USA Weaving Sticks are available in both a fine size and a thick size, and each set includes 6 weaving sticks. According to the package: Fun […]

Posted in Craft Product Reviews, Crafty Tools, Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts |

#CHAshow surprise: Carolina’s Favorite

August 8, 2013

steam a seam 2 is new and improved

This week I attended the semi-annual Craft and Hobby Association trade show. I’m not a newbie to CHA, but this was the first time I’d been able to attend the summer show and it was the first time I’ve been able to attend in my own backyard – they had the summer show in Las Vegas this year! There was lots to see, and more that I will share, but the thing that thrilled me to the bottom of my […]

Posted in CHA Coverage, Craft News, Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts |

Craft Tool Review: Clover USA Pin ‘n Stow

April 23, 2013

Since winter CHA, I’ve been working my way through the list of new products from Clover USA, and I’ve finally arrived at the simple, handy Pin ‘n Stow. The Pin ‘n Stow is exactly what it looks like: an adjustable magnetic bracelet that’s made to hold pins while you’re sewing, quilting, or doing appliqué work. I always like a straightforward product that does exactly what it’s supposed to do, and does it well, so I was really looking forward to […]

Posted in Craft Product Reviews, Crafty Tools, Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts |

Phoomph for Fabric by Coats and Clark

April 19, 2013

Phoomph for fabric review

Ever wanted to add oomph to your fabric?  How about a quick and easy way to stiffen fabric with no ironing required?  Phoomph for fabric might just be for you.  I was sent some Phoomph to run through the CTD wringer so lets put it to the test.  Here is what the Coats and Clark website has to say: Phoomph is a double sided, fabric bonding sheet that creates a brand new way to craft with fabric. There is no ironing […]

Posted in Craft Product Reviews, Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts |

Whimsy Kits by Heidi Boyd

April 5, 2013

Whimsy Kits by Heidi Boyd

  Every great once in a while I see something online and I think, “that is super cute” and I have to make it. Even if it’s not within the usual realm of my work. I mean, who says I have to stick with mixed media and jewelry making EVERY day? So when my Facebook friend Heidi Boyd announced her new line of Whimsy Kits, and I saw how adorable they were, I knew I had to get my hands […]

Posted in Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts |

Fabric Mod Podge

April 3, 2013

fabric mod podge testing

      I love all of the new formulas of Mod Podge and being able to run them through the wringer.  The fabric Mod Podge formula was no exception.  I was eager to dive into my bottle and really see what the benefits of this product are. The manufacturer’s website had this to say about the product: Decoupage on fabric … why not? Simply use Fabric Mod Podge to apply paper prints or fabric swatches to wearables, totes, banners […]

Posted in Craft Product Reviews, Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts |

Craft Tool Review: Nancy’s Hobo Tote Collection Trace ‘n Create Bag Templates from Clover USA

March 26, 2013

At CHA this winter, Clover USA had a ton of exciting new products, but Nancy’s Hobo Tote Collection Trace ‘n Create Bag Template was definitely one of my favorites. For me, working on this review couldn’t have come at a better time. My current handbags were all starting to look pretty rough, and I really wasn’t looking forward to the nightmare that is purse shopping. So, making my own custom bag with the fabric of my choice was the perfect […]

Posted in Craft Product Reviews, Crafty Tools, Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts |

Craft Product Review: Boye Artisan Tools CrochetMaster Plus Crochet Hook Set

February 18, 2013

I’m pretty handy with a crochet hook, and Tunisian crochet (also known as afghan crochet) has been at the top of my must-try list for months. So, when I spotted the Boye Artisan Tools CrochetMaster Plus Crochet Hook Set in the Simplicity booth at both CHA and VOGUEknitting LIVE, it was love at first (and second) sight. The hooks are absolutely gorgeous—the warmth of the wooden hooks look fantastic next to the shine of the metal handles—and I jumped at […]

Posted in Craft Product Reviews, Crafty Tools, Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts |

A Guide To Online Fabric Resources

February 12, 2013

 Today’s guest is Carla Macklin, co-owner and designer of Clever Charlotte, a company that designs and sells clothing patterns for “modern children.” She’s immensely talented and is the most talented sewist I’ve ever met. Oh, and she’s my cousin-in-law, too- which meas that when we have family get-togethers, Carla and I compare notes on blogging and the the craft industry. The last time we talked, I mentioned that I was clueless about online fabric resources, so she graciously agreed to […]

Posted in Apps & Sites, Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts |

Craft Product Review: Color Infusions Memory Thread from DMC

February 5, 2013

Craft Product Review: Color Infusions Memory Thread from DMC

From the DMC website: Go 3D with Color Infusions Memory Thread – Shape it. Tack it. You’re done. Memory Thread is a soft fiber wrapped copper wire that you can use to embellish all types of needlework and craft projects. Memory Thread is colorfast, fade resistant and acid free. Memory Thread is available in 28 bright beautiful colors. The fiber is hand-wrapped on a recyclable shuttle to keep the thread tidy and ready to use. Notches on the shuttle hold […]

Posted in Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts |

Craft Product Review: Clover USA Extra Small Kanzashi Flower Maker

January 29, 2013

Clover USA Extra Small Kanzashi Flower Maker

  I’m kind of crazy about the new Extra Small Kanzashi Flower Maker Templates from Clover USA. I mean, I loved the large and small templates but I’m a sucker for anything miniature or extra small. I noticed that Haley is also a fan of them and mentioned them in her CHA Winter 2013: Haley’s Clover USA Sewing and Notions Picks. When I first started seeing the Kanzashi flowers it never occurred to me how easy they were to make.They […]

Posted in Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts |

Craft Product Review: Christmas Woolens Ornament Kit from Rachel’s of Greenfield

December 13, 2012

‘Tis the season to be crafting, so in the spirit of celebrating the holidays with handmade goodness, I tried out Christmas Woolens, a lovely traditional felt ornament kit from Rachel’s of Greenfield! I came across this kit while browsing booths at CHA last winter, and the muted colors and thoughtful details stopped me in my tracks. Just looking at those cozy mittens and snug stockings brought back fond childhood memories of drinking hot chocolate and decorating the tree with my […]

Posted in Craft Product Reviews, Fabric, Needle, & Quilting Arts, Holidays/Themes, Winter/Christmas |

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Hi! I’m Jenny, the co-host of Hands On Crafts for Kids on PBS and the Head Dummy behind CraftTestDummies.com where you’ll find craft product reviews, tutorials, and craft industry news.

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Jenny Barnett Rohrs is Head Dummy and Pied Piper behind CTD, which focuses on reviews, tutorials, and craft industry news. Jenny has appeared on HSN, Scrapbook Soup PBS series, and is currently the co-host of Hands On Crafts for Kids on PBS.

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Copyrighted Content Permission All images and tutorials on this blog are copyrighted material. Please contact me if you would like to borrow any media (photos, video or audio files), tutorials, or ideas from this blog. 99% of the time I would be happy to allow you to use one photo with appropriate credit and link back to CraftTestDummies.com (preferably to the same post it was borrowed from.)
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