 | ||||
| TerryGami, 15 Cloth Toy and Ornament Projects for Crafters, Teachers, and Children |
 | ||
| TerryGami Party Popper Favor Box |
 |
| TerryGami Firecracker Party Favor Box |
The book is now available in soft cover!
Welcome to washcloth crafts!
A couple of weeks ago I panicked because I wondered where in the world had all of the washcloths gone?! Not long ago, there were a lot of colorful washcloths to choose from, but it had appeared as though the well had gone dry in that department. I know there wasn't a problem selling them, because the supply constantly dwindled off the shelves.
I started to hope Amazon would pick up the slack and start providing the 18 packs online. They had sold the 18 packs before; surely would do again. Indeed, this would be a handy thing because then crafters could get the color they needed without worry, especially if there was a special project that requires a certain color. Fortunately, a few weeks later the cloths turned up again, but I had to ask where they were located. For some reason the store had placed them on an end cap near the linens in housewares, but not close enough so they could be found easily. The packages had some colors, but mostly white cloths in them, which is okay, especially if you are making the firecrackers and party poppers for 4th of July party favors.
Many of the TerryGami animals, (not all) will require three cloths, or at least, two. Of course, there are several other items that require only one washcloth. In the 18 packages of cloths, the colors have been grouped in threes, which works out pretty well. The most difficult colors to find are Christmas red, gray and black. So, if you see these colors, snatch them up for Halloween and Christmas ornaments.
If you are making the critter for a baby, you may want a softer cloth. If the baby is teething, the rougher utility cloth might be better. Always wash the cloth first and embroider on the eyes and nose, when making a critter for a baby. Also, make sure the rubber bands are not exposed. Remember, you can always use string or yarn, instead of rubber bands.
I like to use the rubber bands, but I do have not-so-great memories of my father and brother shooting rubber bands and my sister and me when we were kids. All in good fun, of course, ha, ha, ha -- but, boy, did those rubber bands sting! Rubber bands now come packaged in colorful balls, which often match the washcloths. They make quick work, when making a critter, because you don't have to stop and tie them off like string or yarn. The use of either requires dexterity, so you may want to experiment, especially if you are using TerryGami for occupational therapy.
If you are making the critter for a baby, you may want a softer cloth. If the baby is teething, the rougher utility cloth might be better. Always wash the cloth first and embroider on the eyes and nose, when making a critter for a baby. Also, make sure the rubber bands are not exposed. Remember, you can always use string or yarn, instead of rubber bands.
I like to use the rubber bands, but I do have not-so-great memories of my father and brother shooting rubber bands and my sister and me when we were kids. All in good fun, of course, ha, ha, ha -- but, boy, did those rubber bands sting! Rubber bands now come packaged in colorful balls, which often match the washcloths. They make quick work, when making a critter, because you don't have to stop and tie them off like string or yarn. The use of either requires dexterity, so you may want to experiment, especially if you are using TerryGami for occupational therapy.
I digress. The white cloths can always be found online, sometimes in packs of 25 per package. For TerryGami critters and ornaments, look for thin, borderless washcloths or utility cloths. If they are too thin, the critters can be stuffed with batting. Ones with medium thickness do pretty well. The thicker cloths will make the critter a bit chunky, but then, it may look okay just the same, but there will not be much you can do to improve the look of it, if it is too thick. There are so many borderless washcloths available now, there should be no problem finding them. A cloth with medium thickness is perfect for making the Turkey.
As I mentioned before, cloth sizes 12" x 12", 11" x 11", 12"x 11" and 10" x 10" shouldn't make any difference in the project. The ten-inch square ones will make the item a little smaller, which maybe good, especially if the item is to be a holiday ornament for a tree, and it is the perfect size for the Easter Egg. The 11" x 11" or 12" x 12" is a good size for an animal or doll. I rarely worry about the size of the cloth. Often times, the cloth can be cut down to the desired size.
Blunt-end needles, including plastic needles, darning needles, plastic canvas needles, and yarn needles all work well when sewing with terrycloth washcloths due to the open weave of the cloth. This makes terrycloth great material to use when teaching kids to sew.
Blunt-end needles, including plastic needles, darning needles, plastic canvas needles, and yarn needles all work well when sewing with terrycloth washcloths due to the open weave of the cloth. This makes terrycloth great material to use when teaching kids to sew.
Yesterday, I went shopping, expecting to see packages of red, white, and blue washcloths on the department store shelves. Well, not really, but that was on my wish list. However, there were white and blue cloths in the package, so at least that's a start. Soon, very soon, I hope to see the shelves bursting with every color imaginable -- all of the time!
Happy Crafting!
~Terry
No comments:
Post a Comment