Have you ever tried a FREE class at CreativeLive?

As a dollmaker and online business owner, I am always interested in improving my drawing, photography and business skills.

Creative Live has many classes from the world's top experts. With over 1,500 curated classes in Photography & Video, Money & Life, Craft & Maker, Art & Design, and Music & Audio, there is something for everyone.

I can honestly say that I have taken several photography and drawing classes and all for FREE! If you decide you want to keep any of the classes on DVDs, you can buy them, but you are under no obligation.

For instance, here are two (2) classes that I have already RSVP to take this month.

Color Techniques for Drawing - Start Date: 2/26/2017

Fundamentals of Photography - Start Date: 2/28/2017
There are many other classes that might be of interest to you; each month a new series of classes are offered, so be sure to check out ALL the CreativeLive's Free On-Air Classes; you just might be surprised at what you can learn to improve your business!

Rippit, Rippit...!

We've all been there! Ripping out stitching is not fun, but sometimes necessary.

To add a little humor to an otherwise aggravating situation, I just had to share a link to a free printable from Crafterhours to hang on the door to your sewing room...

Click on the graphic to visit Crafterhours and download your free poster!


Check Out CreativeLive's Free On-Air Classes

Free Pattern Alert...

Recently, a FREE pin cushion mice pattern came across my Facebook feed and I wanted to try it out and share with everyone. I love whimsy and thought it would be perfect to add to my studio:

Even though the whole pattern is put together with hand-stitching, it only took a couple of hours last night to finish.

I used some wool felt that I already washed in warm water and some flannel scraps that I had in my scrap bin. I believe you could also use scraps of wool fabric.

The complete pattern and instructions are available on Bustle & Sew...just click on the above picture to download your copy!

While you are there, be sure to download their "Making Beautiful Softies"; a pdf tutorial of tips to make softies that is FREE to download.

Enjoy!

Quilter's Daily Buzz on Craftsy...

For the next four weeks, Crafty is serving up a special deal just for quilters (and fabric lovers) every single day. Visit this page for sweet savings on classes and supplies, plus a quick video tip from Crafty's very own quilting pros.

Get the Daily Buzz... and check back daily!



FREE Download Available on Craftsy...

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Genius Hacks Every Quilter Should Know is a free PDF guide available exclusively on Craftsy, featuring 18 pages packed with tutorials, quilting tricks and tips from experts. Download it instantly for free now (you can even print it easily if you'd like) and enjoy it forever in the comfort of your home or even on the go.

Have you ever tried a FREE class at CreativeLive?

Looking for ways to bring your business to a new level or just looking for crafting ideas?

CreativeLive has several FREE classes that might be of interest to you; I have selected a few below that are available this month, but there are many more you can choose from!

Class Name: The $250 Marketing Plan
Start Date: 1/15/2017
End Date: 1/16/2017
RSVP Date: 1/15/2017

Class Name: Run a Better, Faster, Leaner Business
Start Date: 1/15/2017
End Date: 1/16/2017
RSVP Date: 1/15/2017

Class Name: Copywriting for Crafters
Start Date: 1/15/2017
End Date: 1/16/2017
RSVP Date: 1/15/2017

Class Name: Fundamentals of Photography
Start Date: 1/17/2017
End Date: 1/20/2017
RSVP Date: 1/17/2017

To take one of the above classes, you will need to follow the link for the class you would like to view, sign up with an email and password; then click on the RSVP button. That's it! You will be signed up to watch the free classes on the start date listed; a reminder will be sent to you via email.

While you are there, check out the other free classes you can take each day; some are available right now.

Check Out ALL CreativeLive's Free On-Air Classes

Enlarging or reducing patterns...

Anyone who sews knows that sometimes you find a pattern, but it just isn't the size you were looking for; maybe it's too big or too small. You absolutely love the pattern, but how do you make it work?

Sewhooked created a tutorial that is available on Craftsy and can be downloaded for FREE:

Using Adobe Reader, you will be able to figure out how much to reduce or enlarge your pattern piece whether for a quilt project you are working on or perhaps a doll.

This is definitely one article to keep in your files! Download now by clicking on the graphic!

Machine Embroidery - FREE Hummingbird Pattern

"Hummerbird"
Sanity's Machine Embroidery Designs is making available a FREE machine embroidery pattern with satin and line stitching on Craftsy. PES-JEF-VIP-HUS Formats and a PDF color chart is included.

Design will fit in a 4x4 hoop or larger. Add them to your towels, make curtains also great for quilts or wall hangings. Click on the picture to download the design.

FREE Animal Pincushion Patterns...

All patterns are available for FREE on Craftsy! Click on each picture to get the pdf download!

Note: The owl pincushion pattern is for the template only. Follow the link in the description to get the directions for assembly of the pincushion.











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YouTube video to make shoes for the AG doll...

Even though they are not cloth dolls, I just love American Girl dolls. I just received two new ones for Christmas, a Bitty Baby and Mary Ellen, the 50s dolls.

I am always looking for patterns to make items for my dolls and some of the completed items I sell on Etsy.

Today, a YouTube video came across my Facebook feed and I thought I would share with my dolly friends.


DIY AG American Girl Doll shoes uploaded by PipeCleanerCrafts B

FREE baby doll pattern...

Have you downloaded my FREE baby doll pattern yet? The pattern is easy and can be made with fabric scraps.




The baby is eight (8) inches tall and would make a great baby shower table decoration.

Download your copy here!



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FREE Dress Up Sewing Patterns for the kiddos!

Ashley Little recently posted a blog on Craftsy for ten (10) FREE dress-up patterns to download for your little ones. These patterns will make wonderful Halloween costumes too!

Is your child a budding cook? They will love this little set!

And for the boys, what fun it would be to dress up like their favorite hero?

Visit Ashley's Craftsy blog for links to these costumes plus a few others....ten (10) in all!











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FREE Craftsy mini-class...Draw Better Portraits

To sign up for your FREE mini-class visit Craftsy

To celebrate their 1,000th online class, Craftsy is giving you the chance to get 50% off the most commonly 'wishlisted' classes! That class you have had your eye on for a while might just be on sale. Why not see for yourself and browse these deals before they're gone? Hurry, the offer ends Thursday! Visit Craftsy most wished online classes now on sale.



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Childhood Revisited: How to Make Your Own Paper Dolls

Margie Moore just wrote a blog on Craftsy that certainly got my attention!

Paper dolls, I loved playing with them when I was young. I would play in a make-believe world for hours at my grandmother's house. It is probably why I have so much fun designing cloth doll patterns today.

Making paper dolls and coloring their faces and clothes is a fantastic way to practice drawing and shading the faces of your cloth dolls.

Margie even provides the reader with a FREE pdf download paper doll pattern so you can get started right away. It might also be a fun project to do with your children.

Playing with dolls is so much fun!

Childhood Revisited: How to Make Your Own Paper Dolls



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Time to De-Stress?

Between the busy holiday season and the first flowers of spring lies the perfect time for creativity.

Now available for FREE download on Craftsy... Adult Coloring Book You’ll Adore. Featuring nine inspiring designs, this free downloadable adult coloring book is a fun way to try out new art mediums and practice your shading skills.

Get your FREE pdf copy!


Sale reminder...Celebrate with BIG savings on supplies at Craftsy, at up to 50% off! Get great deals on art supplies, fabric, yarn, baking tools and more. Sale ends tonight, so browse the sale prices now before the best products are gone!




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Can you sew a straight line?

It might seem like a basic question to long-time sewers, but Christine Hayne's Craftsy blog "Sewing Basics: How to Sew a Straight Line" is a great read for beginners and experienced sewers might also want to see if she might have some pointers you can use.

Christine also has a link at the bottom of her blog for a FREE mini-class on how to fix common sewing machine problems.

Until Sunday, January 31st only, Craftsy is discounting its crafting supplies. Some items are even up to 70% off! Get great deals on art supplies, fabric, yarn, baking tools and more. Browse the sale prices now before the best products are gone!



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Photoshop Essentials: Need-to-Know Tools & Techniques...

is a FREE PDF guide filled with 13 pages of tips, tricks and guidance for fundamental editing functions in Photoshop®.

Download it instantly and enjoy expert advice for tracking changes, cloning image elements, optimizing exposure and so much more!



Get your FREE copy on Craftsy!




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Time for some fun?

Here's a stress reliever activity that can actually be useful in your studio to keep track of those important deadlines.

The February 2016 Coloring Calendar Page is now available on Craftsy (And It’s FREE!)

Coloring pictures has become popular fun for the entire family. Besides being a great stress buster, it's a wonderful way to keep the kids busy during the cold winter months.

Sharpen your pencils and crayons and have some fun coloring the February calendar page available only on Craftsy!



Be sure to Like and Follow my Facebook page snsdolls and visit my website at Cloth Dolls by Stitch 'N Stuff!



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Ready to break out of project boredom?

From sewing a chic clutch and baking perfect puff pastries to personalizing your quilts with text, Craftsy has classes that are the perfect way to spark your imagination with fresh ideas, projects and techniques.

This weekend only, all NEW Craftsy classes are marked 50% off, but hurry this sale ends Monday night.

Not ready to spend money for a class yet? Craftsy has several FREE classes you can download and watch at your leisure.

Looking for some tips for shooting pictures of your dolls, Professional Family Portraits with Kirk Tuck is just one of the many FREE classes you will find waiting for you on Craftsy.

Get started today...Craftsy!


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Did someone you know receive an 18" doll for Christmas? Craftsy has many patterns for the ever so popular dolls; some are paid, but some are free like the Doll PJ Pants pattern by Seams Inspired.

You can download this pattern for free by using my affiliate link!

The pattern is rated easy by the designer and can be made using scraps of fabrics you might have left over from other projects.  Happy sewing!<br><br><br>

Minions...who can resist?

Who wouldn't like to have one of these little fellas on your sewing table minding your pins and needles?

You can get the FREE pattern on Lady Joyceley. Patterns and instructions are available for two sizes...mini and big! Have fun!