Crafternoon: Embroidery Hoops

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This Hazel & Ruby “Crafternoon” kit was the one that had me running down to JoAnn’s to find the line. I was so very excited to learn (FINALLY!) proper use of an embroidery hoop! This is such a fun craft, and I definitely learned a lot. Ok so a few things to tell you:

  1. It took me 5 hours to create the two hoops
  2. All I needed was an iron, black pen, and scissors
  3. I ran out of two different thread colors – I think this was a glitch with my kit as all others had plenty

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Ok so I watched the video first which was great (except two issues – more on that later) and that really helped show me what to do. Ironing on and cutting out the shapes was easier than I anticipated, and I got into the drawing words right away. Of course, me being me I couldn’t just leave the design alone I had to change the sayings!

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Drawing on with black pen was no problem! You can see (below) I definitely made these my own. Now I had to use a lot of my own pink thread (ran out) – but that’s ok. There was more than enough of most colors and I liked that it was easy to substitute. I goofed and mis-cut my blue polka dot which is why you see my own stripe-y fabric on the smaller hoop.

Now on the video there were two things that didn’t work. First, there was no explaining of the tassels. I assume I’m meant to loop thread around towards the top… that’s what I did. The other thing was the French Knot instructions didn’t work. I was at the end of my rope and YouTube searched it – figured out that NO, I don’t want to put it back into the same hole, rather put needle back into hole next to original. Also I want to have needle facing away from surface when twisting.

That won’t make sense unless you’re doing the project – but if you are that may help you a lot.

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I really loved this kit a ton, it’s so well done and the projects were really fun to sit and relax and make. The designer did a fabulous job, and overall I left feeling like I’d picked up new tips, ideas, and the ability to strike out on my own with this crazy fun (though a bit on the tedious side) craft. Do I recommend it? HECK YES! It’s really a great price for all that you get, and my minor issue aside, something I had a whole lot of fun with.

I’ve got one more kit here – watch for that coming here in about a week…

Have you tried to crafternoon a day away? Which kit? I’m just so loving these!

Crafternoon by Hazel & Ruby: Crepe Paper Flowers

find all the info (and videos) on the Hazel & Ruby site here.

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Hazel & Ruby released a new line, perhaps the most brilliant of 2015. “Crafternoon” is now available at JoAnn fabrics (and I am guessing elsewhere after an exclusive time period…) that I have heard about via instagram where the various designers are chatting it up and sharing photos. Why is it brilliant?

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  • Kit including instructions and all supplies (outside basics like glue and scissors) included.
  • It’s like taking a craft class in a little pouch
  • Videos available on-line so you can check them out before or after you buy the product! In other words you can preview what you’ll make before you buy
  • Quality projects and great DIY kits
  • Great for novice or seasoned crafters
  • Interesting designs you can be inspired by for future

The idea that this will take you not much time (or at most just a few hours) is so inspiring! To me, it sparked my love of learning and getting a mini class part online (Video) and a kit ready to rock. The other thing that makes me love this so very much is that they have all different crafters participating. In other words, you’re getting a wide variety of talented bloggers who are sharing things they excel in – love that!

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I picked out three different DIY kits at my local JoAnn fabrics and I’m starting with the one I wanted to test out WITHOUT video to see how I did with their written instruction. I did ok… but I think the way to approach these is to watch the video then begin the craft project and use the written instructions as a reminder. I think it’s a really great touch that they did both written and video!

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The written instructions are well done but enough detail is missing that if you’re brand new to the craft it could make for less than stellar results.  I was ok with my finished flower but after watching the video I had major “AHA!” Moments that I’ll take into the future flowers I can make from this kit.

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This was just one flower (of many) I can make, and now armed with additional information and having seen the video I know my next will turn out even better. I’m so very impressed with these kits I just had to share right away! I will be back next week with #2 (A embroidery hoop!) and this time I’m watching the video first.

For more about this line you can find all the info (and videos) on the Hazel & Ruby site here.