Giving Back

I'm a life long philanthropist and volunteer and today I was privileged to receive a wonderful card from the Child Life Program at the University of New Mexico Children's Hospital thanking me for my recent hat donation.This year, I donated 6 hats to this program for children with cancer.

The Child Life Program is about helping children through the many challenging facets of the cancer treatment process. They are an incredible program that also provides support through birthday celebrations, play, holiday observances, and the dealing with the stress of cancer for both parents and children alike.

I would like to first extend my sincerest gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Ken & Katie Beatty for giving me the opportunity to participate but also teaching me more about what this incredible program does.

Second, I would like to express to the children and their families, that it was an honor to donate to this program and provide some warmth thru threads during this difficult time. Your bravery is amazing and I cannot express the amount of pure humility I feel as a result of learning about the challenges you face.

Lastly, my thanks to the Child Life Program for providing an outlet for children and their families so they can find the support they need to get through the cancer treatment process.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

If you are interested in donating to this organization, please visit the Online Giving Page for UNMH Foundation

To learn more about the UNMH Child Life Program, please visit the website.


Lastly, if you'd like to discuss how Sewmantra can donate to an organization you support, please contact Martiel directly via email.

March Giveaway - 1 Month of FREE Ad Space to a Shop that Makes Hand Made Items

Every month I will be giving away 31 days of free ad space worth $75! 

Your ad will be located in the upper, top, right-hand corner of my blog (aka above the fold). Your logo and a link to your shop or where you sell your wares will be displayed below the title: "Show Some Love for Our Current Guest Artist!" 

This Giveaway Ends March 25, 2012

To Qualify for this Giveaway:

To qualify for this giveaway you must be a either an individual, group or collective. You cannot be a commercial seller (i.e. mass produced items sold exclusively in stores such as Walmart or other large box stores). This is for the promotion of a seller who is a crafter or artist that makes and sells their handmade creations.

Sewmantra also has the right to determine if the winner is genuine and fits this criteria. If at such time the selected winner does not fit the criteria, Sewmantra may choose another winner from the pool of candidates via our selection process (see the Giveaway Rules Tab).

How to Enter:

(A) Join the blog and let me know you follow by posting a comment here (Anyone who follows the blog may enter: past, present or future)...or 

(B) Make a comment about what item you like most that is made by Sewmantra...or

(C) "Follow" me on Twitter - then come back here and post a comment that you have done this...or

(D) "Friend" the Sewmantra Facebook Page - then come back here and post a comment that you have done this.

(E) Post a comment with a short blurb about your craft or art.

This gives you up to 5 chances to enter for new folks and 3 for our veterans!!!!!

Important Entry Info & Who Qualifies:

To enter this giveaway, you must (1) make hand made items; (2) are a non-commercial seller -  see above description for full details.

For a full list of rules regarding my giveaways, see the Giveaway Rules Tab.

If you have questions about my privacy policy, you can read about it under the Priv-Policy Tab

Please keep comments polite, thanks!

Mutty Boots Dog Shoes are Finally Here!

Excitement has been mounting around the launch of my waterproof and skid proof dog shoes. I'm happy to announce they are finally here and for sale.

Check out my model Brandy strutting her stuff in her new shoes and purchase a pair for your favorite 4-legged pooch in the shop.

The Features:

• Custom Cuff
• Machine Washable
• Easy on/off
• Waterproof
• Skid Proof
• Multiple Sizes Available
• Hand assembled in Shady Side, Maryland, USA
• Worldwide Shipping Offered

I'd like to extend my sincerest thanks to the pet sitting company Wags n' Purrfections of North Beach, Maryland for providing our beautiful model.

February Giveaway Winner for the Month of Free Ad Space

Congratulations to the winner of the second 

February 2012 Giveaway!

~ ~ ~ ~ Gale @ Scribbleprints ~ ~ ~ ~

Our winner is getting one month of Free Ad Space Above the Fold on the Sewmantra Blog

Notice to Winner 

Please make sure to contact Martiel to claim your prize before

Thursday, March 3rd, 2012 

REUSE | RENEW | REINVENT

Sewmantra

http://sewmantra.etsy.com

February Giveaway Winner for the $20 E-Gift Card

Congratulations to the winner of the 

February 2012 Giveaway!

~ ~ ~ ~ Robin Scott ~ ~ ~ ~

Our winner is getting a $20 E-Gift Card exclusively  to Sewmantra.

Notice to Winner 

Please make sure to contact Martiel to claim your prize before

Thursday, March 1st, 2012 

REUSE | RENEW | REINVENT

Sewmantra

http://sewmantra.etsy.com

Giveaway Rules | Privacy Policy

Weekly Gratis Name Change

I've been posting my "Weekly Gratis" ramblings for a while now. It was my intention to give you something free during these posts like a pattern, but I have failed in this area.

Thus, a slight name change is in order so it can reflect the actual ramblings that go on here. From now on you can still come here and read about cool projects, interesting sites, tips, and a pleathora of other wisdom but it shall be known henceforth as "Crafty Stuff from A to Zymosan"

REUSE | RENEW | REINVENT

Sewmantra

http://sewmantra.etsy.com

Weekly Gratis 2012.5 | Yarn Dying

Some call me a yarn spinner, others regard me as a hooking crocheting rocker, but I think I'm just have a way with crafty fabrication. Regardless, I work with yarn and I do it well, very well. This week, I have been looking into yarn dying. Some are extremely complicated. Yikes! Others, not so much. Whew. Which is both good for you and me, awesome.

Thus, for this Weekly Gratis, I have some ways you can dye yarn at home if you are feeling up to the challenge.

How to Dye Single Items by Sewmantra

My Germ Gewelry is taking on a new facade and since its second medium is crochet thread instead of felt, I wanted to see if it was possible to color the yarn so that I could accurately reflect the germ's luminosity. After some trial and error, I've come up with this formula that is perfect not only for this project but for any item that you are looking to dye a single different color such as a doily or like item made of crochet yarn.

Supplies:

• Finished project made of crochet thread 
• Scotchgard spray for fabrics
• A glass or metal mixing bowl
• Food dye
• Measuring cups (1/2 Cup)
• Measuring Spoons (1 Tablespoon)
• White Vinegar
• Small Spray Bottle(s) (One for each color you plan on mixing up.)
• Funnel
• Water
• Paper towels
• Latex or plastic gloves
• Sewing Pins or Clothes Pins (Depending on how small your item is will depend on which of these you will need to use)
• Clothes line or other line to act as drying line
• Flat work space with access to a sink 
• A place to drip dry your work either inside our outside.

Instructions:

• Steps in Mixing Your Dye:

Mixed Dye in Bottles

1. In a bowl: Put 2 tablespoons of White vinegar, 1/2 Cup of cold water in a bowl. Choose the color you want to dye from your food dye selection or make a specialty color, CLICK HERE for a chart that shows you how to create colors like "Misty Green", "Sea Gold" and other unique colors. NOTE: For richer colors, increase the number of drops of coloring in the water/vinegar mix; for light colors, decrease the number of drops. For example: When I make my yellow dye, I use 3 drops in the mix for a light yellow and 6 drops for a rich golden-yellow.
2. Use your funnel to pour the mixture into your spray bottle. Place the top on the bottle.
3. Test your color on a rag to see if the color is what you want it to be before you proceed.

Finished Crocheted Item Ready to Dye

• Dye Application Steps:

1. Put on your gloves, if you have not done this already, it will get on your hands.
2. If you have something very small, I use sewing pins to pin it up on my drying line above my sink. Do this BEFORE you apply the dye, so the excess can drip into the sink.
3. Starting in one corner of the crocheted project and working in a circle, begin to spray the dye. Apply this evenly. 
4. After the first coat, if you are happy with the color results, you should let it dry. If you think it needs a second coat, go ahead and repeat the step 3.
5. Let the item drip dry. DO NOT blow dry these, it will make your project sticky!

Drying After Dyed

• Steps for Finishing:

1. Leave your item still hanging from its drip drying location. At this time, I suggest you touch it and make sure it has dried. You should find the threads to be pliable and move naturally - - Cotton, Rayon and Bamboo crochet threads all respond the same in that they will be soft and flexible. The dye should not compromise the mobility and sway of the item so other than a change in color, your item should still retain the shape and feel it had prior to dying. I have not tried this with wool threads, so please let me know if you do and how it turns out.
2. Using spray Scotchguard, lightly spray your item. Do not soak it; if you saturate it the dye may sluff off or drip off with the excess liquid from the Scotchguard. After you apply the Scotchguard, your project should be damp to the touch. You should also do this in a well ventilated area or outside. Once you have completed this step, let your project dry once more. Again, DO NOT USE A BLOW DRYER!
3. Once the item is dry, rinse under lukewarm water and then hang dry.

Viola! When your item drys this time, it will be complete.

Links to Dying larger quantities of Yarn:

• Dye a pound of yarn using the The Crockpost Method by Lethal

• Kathryn Ivy's site has a great tutorial using Easter egg dye tablets.

• The Knit Purl Girl uses Koolaid to dye her yarn - so check out this method too!

Post your thoughts and after dying your project, let me know how it goes for you - - Happy Crafting!

http://sewmantra.etsy.com

Fabo New Potholders

After much trial and error regarding potholder/hotmit construction I have come up with an excellent way of making them that first looks very nice and second, maybe most importantly, does not burn your hands.

I constructed my potholders to the size I wanted. I crochet two of the same size: one to use as the front and one for the back. By the way, don't forget the loop for hanging.

Then I add an extra lining in between the two outside layers. I have tried many different fabrics and materials but non have stood up to the rigorous tests as well as Pellon Fusible Fleece.


The Pros:

1. You can iron it on.
2. It's not very expensive.
3. If you mis-cut, no worries because no one is going to see it.
4. It can be sewn over after it is ironed on.
5. It won't gum up your needle.

The Cons:

1. Once you iron it on, its permanent.
2. I've only found it in white, so may not work well on black or very dark projects

I simply iron on the fleece to one side of the inside of the potholder then I stitch around the edge and close it up attaching the front and back panels. Voila!

So, here are the lovely potholders/hotmits. They turned out quite lovely if I do say so myself. 

http://sewmantra.etsy.com

Become a Guest Blogger

It's been almost a week since my last post because things around here are crazy busy. I love being busy and because of my demands other places, I'm putting this out there.

Are you a creative mind with a craft, art project or interesting decorating idea you'd like to share? Publish it here and Contribute as a Guest Blogger!

How it works:

1. Assemble your project information and how-to steps in a word document (or similar). Please keep your post to a maximum of 1000 words. 
2. Your post should include the following elements:
• At least 1 picture, a supplies list, and steps to complete the project.
3. In the location where you want pictures in your post, please use this code <INSERTPIC#> (# is for the photo number you wish to have in that space). When you submit photos I ask that you do not submit more than 4 photos and you will need to number them with your name and the associated number 1-4. 
4. On a separate document please send 1-2 short paragraphs about yourself. This section is titled "About the Designer". You may include up to 3 links to your blog, online shop or other site.
5. Send all of this information as an attachment to sewmantra@gmail.comx and I will  work with my team to post this and get you some ad time!

Please note that information should be original and never been published on other sites. Pictures need to be clean, clear and bright.

We look forward to seeing all your amazing ideas and sharing them with our visitors!

As with all other business conducted here, we adhere to our Privacy Policy Guidelines, if you have any questions, please use the contact information on that page.

Feb 2012 Giveaway 2 of 2 - 1 Month of FREE Ad Space to a Shop that Makes Hand Made Items

Since this is the month of LOVE, here is the second bit of sweet love I'm going to share!

My first giveaway is for a $20 E-Gift Card to Sewmantra

My second giveaway is what this listing is for. Up in the top right-hand corner of my blog you will see a space titled "Guest Ad Here" - This is where the winner of this giveaway will get to have their ad placed!

This Giveaway Ends Feb 24, 2012

To Qualify for this Giveaway:

To qualify for this giveaway you must be a either an individual, group or collective. You cannot be a commercial seller (i.e. mass produced items sold exclusivly in stores such as Walmart or other large box stores). This is for the promotion of a seller who is a crafter or artist that makes and sells their handmade creations.

Sewmantra also has the right to determine if the winner is genuine and fits this criteria. If at such time the selected winner does not fit the criteria, Sewmantra may choose another winner from the pool of candidates via our selection process (see the Giveaway Rules Tab).

How to Enter:

(A) Join the blog...or 

(B) Make a comment about what item you like most that is made by Sewmantra...or

(C) "Follow" me on Twitter - then come back here and post a comment that you have done this...or

(D) "Friend" the Sewmantra Facebook Page - then come back here and post a comment that you have done this.

This gives you up to 4 chances to enter!!!!!

Important Entry Info & Who Qualifies:

To enter this giveaway, you must (1) make hand made items; (2) are a non-commercial seller - see above description for full details.

For a full list of rules regarding my giveaways, see the Giveaway Rules Tab.

If you have questions about my privacy policy, you can read about it under the Priv-Policy Tab

Please keep comments polite, thanks!

First Giveaway: 

For a link to the $20 E-Gift Card, (CLICK HERE)



**As long as you have not won a giveaway in the last 60 days, you are eligible to enter any and all giveaways I am offering and/or that you qualify for.**

Feb 2012 Giveaway 1 of 2 - $20 E-Gift Card to Sewmantra

Since this is the month of LOVE, I'm going to share a bit of love and give away a couple things I think are super awesome!

First, I'm offering a $20 E-Gift Card to Sewmantra

Sample E-Gift Card

This Giveaway Ends Feb 22, 2012

How to Enter:

(A) Join the blog...or

(B) Make a comment about what item you like most that is made by Sewmantra...or

(C) "Follow" me on Twitter - then come back here and post a comment that you have done this...or

(D) "Friend" the Sewmantra Facebook Page - then come back here and post a comment that you have done this.

This gives you up to 4 chances to enter!!!!!

Important Entry Info:

For a full list of rules regarding my giveaways, see the Giveaway Rules Tab.

If you have questions about my privacy policy, you can read about it under the Priv-Policy Tab

Please keep comments polite, thanks!

Second Giveaway: 

For a link to the FREE Ad Space Giveaway, (Click Here)



**As long as you have not won a giveaway in the last 60 days, you are eligible to enter any and all giveaways I am offering and/or that you qualify for.**

http://sewmantra.etsy.com

Jan 2012 Giveaway Winner Is Posted!

Congratulations to the winner of the Jan 2012 Giveaway!

~ ~ ~ ~ Maegan Morin ~ ~ ~ ~

Our winner is getting a set of (2) hand crocheted Organic Cotton Dishcloths in Terra Cotta Exclusively by yours truly, Sewmantra.

WINNER Please make sure to contact Martiel to claim your prize before Saturday, February 4th, 2012 @ 12-Noon EST.


Everyone, thanks for participating! 
Now that it's February, I'll be offering two giveaways and here is the preview!

(A) 1 Month of FREE Add Space Above the Fold 

(This means that visitors don't have to scroll the page to see your ad!)

(B) $20 E-Gift Card to Sewmantra


More details coming soon on how you will be able to enter these drawings.

 http://sewmantra.etsy.com