Oh, stalkers.  I’m in way over my head on this one.  I’ve had this exhibit in mind for several weeks, and I thought curating it would be a snap.  Turns out when there are too many amazing things to choose from for a given exhibit, Curator Beatrice gets cranky.  I hate not being able to include every wonderful thing that I find.

There’s something about patterns and tutorials that makes me positively giddy. Perhaps it’s the fact that I love getting a glimpse at the creative genius behind all the Etsy sellers I love, or maybe it’s just simply that I relish the opportunity to try my hand at creating something myself.  Either way, I think each of the sellers including in this exhibit shows a rare brand of generosity in offering the how-to behind their arts and crafts.  Don’t be shy.  Follow me:

Secrets of the Trade: Patterns and Tutorials

The first hallway of our exhibit is lined with sewing patterns.  What I love most about the following patterns is that you don’t have to be an expert with needle, thread, and machine to produce these amazing creations.  This curator herself is tempted to try, and you’ll have to trust me, fellow stalkers: that’s saying a lot.  How about this perfect little wristlet pattern made by Jenna Lou Designs?

If you are in the mood for something a bit funkier, you could always try your hand at one of Patterns by Mojo‘s recycled wrapper items.  In her shop, you can buy the instructions for making pouches, purses, and booties from all sorts of old food wrappers:

Do you have a little girl in your life?  No?  I don’t mind if you make one of these twirl skirts for one of mine!  This is a pattern by Crazy Couture and is for sizes 1-6:

While you’ve got the machine out, why not whip together a few of the members of this owl family from Mani-Mina‘s pattern?  This pattern has me wanting to get the sewing machine from the garage and dust it off.  Who could resist these guys?

A knitter can always count on Etsy for a plethora of amazing patterns that range from beginner to more advanced.  I’m particularly fond of Karendipity’s “Marvelous Mitts” pattern:

Given their particular shade of purple, if she’s lucky perhaps I’ll knit a pair of these for Curator Violet.  And then I’ll cast on for this adorable little birdhouse set for myself.  This pattern was written by the immensely creative Amy Gaines:

While we’re on the subject of fiber arts, if you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at needle felting but have been afraid to try, Etsy seller Wool Pets has the answer.  This shop offers needle felting kids for a variety of sweet little creatures, each of which comes with the roving, needle, and instructions required for completion!

Into cross-stitch?  Then you’ll love these patterns by andwabisabi.  Two of my favorites are the chandelier and the hedgehog:

If there’s one area I’m most interesting in learning the secrets of the experts, it’s the art of jewelry design and execution.  Annie Howe’s offers a kit filled with everything you need to make your own scrabble tile pendants.  I’m thinking my daughter’s friends would love this for her next birthday party:

In curating this exhibit, I found a number of sellers who offer pattern kits and tutorials for felt items.  This felt sushi set by umecrafts is a clear stand-out:

Pair this adorable felt food set with a play kitchen and washing/dryer set, and you’ve got the most amazing playroom in history.  For $8 and $10 respectively, you can purchase the pattern from Forty -Two Roads to make the fantastic cardboard creations for your favorite little ones.

Now it’s your turn.  I’d love to hear what patterns and tutorials you’ve purchased, used, or drooled over on Etsy.  Leave a comment and share with the rest of the stalkers here!

Until next time, happy stalking!

Curator Beatrice

Tagged as: birdhouses, clothing, exhibits, fabric, felt, jewelry, paper goods, patterns, toys