Crafts

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Portland is riding the wave of the popular DIY craft movement, according to an article in the Oregonian. We are home to many local artisans who have also published books and blogs about their crafts.

On this web page, we will feature information and writings from our local crafters, events during the year for crafters, and arts and crafts resources for everyone. We even have lists of drop-in studios and spaces for the crafter in you. In the future, we will feature a regular column from some of our crafty staff members and local crafters!

We have also included throughout the page, tips and techniques for using the library's collections to find more resources on crafts and crafting. We welcome your feedback!

General Crafts

Beading
DIY and General Crafts
Knitting/Crocheting/Spinning/
Needlework
Paper Arts/Scrapbooking
Quilting
Sewing
Social Networks and Blogs

Local Shows, Bazaars and Events

Find local craft events and shows using some of these popular calendars and websites. *Check here for special holiday events too!

Art and Soul: http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/

For over a decade, Art & Soul has been host to inspirational mixed media retreats for thousands of creative souls. Portland is the flag ship event.
Aurora Colony Handspinners' Guild: www.auroracolonyhandspinners.com/Welcome.html

A welcoming group that hosts the Fiber Faire in April, a dye day and picnic in July and workshops every October. The Fiber Faire offers beginning spinning workshops and this group has an annual Christmas party too! Located in Canby, Oregon.
Bead Bazaar: http://www.beadport.com/Bazaar/Bazaar.html

Sponsored by the Portland Bead Society, the fall Bead Bazaar at Montgomery Park is an annual event.
Crafty Wonderland: http://www.craftywonderland.com/

Portland's art and craft extravaganza featuring independent artisans and crafters. The vendor list is now available. December 10 and 11, 2011!
DIY Alert: http://www.diyalert.com/

All the crafty news and events in Portland delivered right to your inbox. DIY Alert is your one-stop calendar for craft events, craft classes, and craft groups in Portland, Oregon and surrounding areas. If you know where to look, you can find a sewing class, craft fair, knitting circle, or beadwork exhibit just about every day of the week.
Eventful (Portland Metro Area): http://eventful.com/

Use the category Conferences and Tradeshows and enter keywords into the search to be more specific.
Handmade Northwest Formal Holiday Artisans Fair 2011: http://www.handmadenw.com/events/#40

An elegant holiday shopping experience with local handcrafted wares in a stunning 1920's historic ballroom! Over 60 local artisans! Live classical music, gift wrapping table and more! December 18, 2011.
OregonLive Holiday Bazaars: http://tinyurl.com/3tvchzy

The Oregonian's annual listing of holiday events around town. This is a seasonal page and includes a very big listing of holiday bazaars in the area!
PdxPipeline: http://pdxpipeline.com/

Search by monthly listings of events, or use the keyword search feature to find a specific kind of event.
Portland Saturday Market: http://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/

Operating since 1974 the Portland Saturday Market is the largest continually operating outdoor arts and crafts market in the nation. Centered in Portland's historic Old Town the Market is one of the most popular shopping destinations for local handcrafted goods.

Local Bloggers

In the Portland craft world we are graced by quite a few well known local artisan-crafter bloggers and authors. We have listed a few here. Many bloggers have links to other great blogs, so you might spend a fair amount of time visiting these treasures.

To find books in the catalog by a specific author or blogger, use the keyword search and select the author button. Enter the last name of the author followed by the first name.

When you've found the book you would like, check the catalog to see if it is available at your neighborhood library. If it is, go get it and check it out! If it isn't, or if you're not at the library, you can place a hold on the book and have it sent to any Multnomah County library. You will get a phone call or email when the book is ready for you to pick up.

Alicia Paulson: http://aliciapaulson.com/

Alicia Paulson loves to make things. This is her blog of projects, photos, musings and Posie, her online store of handmade one-of-a-kind handbags, accessories, crochetwear, patterns, plush toys, flower pins, aprons, and original art.
Amy Karol: http://www.amykarol.com/

Amy Karol is a local author who writes about sewing. She is the author of Bend the Rules Sewing and Bend the Rules with Fabric. She also blogs about all the different crafty things she does.
By Hand at Home: http://www.byhandathome.com/

Kendra Ortner is a local fiber artist and blogger.
Craftypod: A Blog and Podcast About Making Stuff: http://www.craftypod.com/

Podcasts, videos, ebooks, and blog posts about crafts from Diane Gilleland, formerly Sister Diane of the Church of Craft. Diane is also the author of Kanzashi in Bloom .
Gingerbread Snowflakes: http://gingerbreadsnowflakes.com/

Gingerbread Snowflakes is "a blog about seasonal comforts" by Pam Harris, a photographer, crafter and cook!
Leethal: Do Stuff Blog: http://www.leethal.net/

Lee Meredith writes this blog which includes tutorials and knitting patterns. The library also owns her zine.
Matchbook: http://eyesaflame.blogspot.com

Bridget Benton is a local mixed media artist blogger. She is a creativity trainer and teacher and blogs here. Check out the class on beginning octopus printing!
Sometimes Crafter: http://sometimescrafter.blogspot.com/

Christina is a local blogger who tries many types of crafts. She writes about her craft experiences on the Sometimes Crafter.
West Coast Crafty: http://westcoastcrafty.wordpress.com/

Susan Beal is a local crafter, blogger and author. This is her blog.
Yuki's Origami Blog: http://yukiorigami.blogspot.com/

Yuki Martin is a Portland artist and her origami blog features instructions and displays of her works. She also includes links to other craft sites and blogs on each of her posts.

Local Drop-In Spaces

Many commercial stores offer free (or nominal fee) drop-in nights where you can share your skills and socialize. For a great list of local craft resources, be sure to also check out DIY Alert's Crafty Portland map.

100th Monkey Art Studio: http://www.the100thmonkeystudio.com/

Offers open art studios.
Close Knit: http://closeknitportland.com/

Offers open knitting groups for people who like to knit and socialize.
Collage on Alberta: http://collageonalberta.typepad.com/

A wonderful resource for all things crafty, as well as a studio that offers classes and a workroom space. Offers $5.00 craft Fridays.
Dava Bead: http://www.davabead.com/

Offers open beading nights for a nominal fee.
Dublin Bay Knitting Company: http://www.dublinbay.net/

Offers a once a month knitting night by appointment. Call for information.
Happy Knits: http://happyknits.com

Their goal is to provide an inviting, comfortable, and kid friendly space in which you can peruse our amazing yarn selection, discover a new favorite book, and of course, sit and knit.
Modern Domestic: http://moderndomesticpdx.com/

Offers open sewing studios in a charming atmosphere.
Multnomah County Library Knitting Groups: http://www.multcolib.org/events/knitting.html

Many library branches offer a variety of knitting groups (and crochet!), some of which are instructional and some welcome knitters of all ages.
Naked Sheep: http://www.thenakedsheepknitshop.com/

Offers open knit night on Thursdays.
PDX Seamsters: http://pdxseamsters.com/

Portland native Emily Horton enables the DIY-inclined by hosting the PDX SEAMSTERS Drop-In Sewing Studio. Those who drop-in (by reservation) avail themselves of a fully stocked 1,000 sq.ft. professional sewing work room replete with several industrial, overlock, and home sewing machines, as well as fabrics, notions and the tools of the trade.
Yarn Garden: http://yarngarden.net/

Offers open knitting nights and Pub Knitting Nights at various local pubs. Registration required for Pub Knitting.
Yarnia: http://www.yarniapdx.com/

Offers open knitting nights.

Other Local Craft Resources

Here are more resources like calendars and directories to help you on your crafty journey in life.

DIY Alert: http://www.diyalert.com/

All the crafty stuff in PDX delivered right to your in-box! DIY Alert is your one-stop calendar for craft events, craft classes, and craft groups in Portland, Oregon and surrounding areas. If you know where to look, you can find a sewing class, craft fair, knitting circle, or beadwork exhibit just about every day of the week.
Scrap (School and Community Reuse Project): http://scrapaction.org/

Scrap's mission is to inspire creative reuse and environmentally sustainable behavior by providing educational programs and affordable materials to the community.
Yelp-Portland: http://www.yelp.com/portland

Find craft stores of all kinds with reviews by people who have been there.

Beading

To find items in the library catalog about the craft and technique of beading, use the subject heading beadwork. If you are looking more for information about beads as objects, use the subject heading beads. If you want do a broader search, use jewelry making. To be comprehensive, try them all!

Fire Mountain Gems Free Beading Tutorials: http://www.firemountaingems.com/beading_howtos/default.asp

A major beading supplier, located in Oregon, with an interactive website that includes videos, tutorials and techniques.
Art Bead Scene: http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/

Art Bead Scene is an interactive blog with the goal of uniting bead artists of all materials and the jewelry designers who use art beads in their work. Regular features include trends in the beading world, interviews, reviews of products, and a monthly beading challenge!
Bead Jewelry Making: http://www.beadjewelrymaking.com/

This site is sponsored by a beader from Singapore. It contains many projects and tutorials.

DIY and General Crafts

The general term for crafts in the library catalog is handicraft. If you are looking for something specific, such as knitting or bookbinding , it is more helpful to use the specific term.

Craft: Craftzine.com: http://www.craftzine.com/

Companion website to the print publication Craft magazine. The website includes craft projects, listings for craft fairs and other events, podcasts, videos and links to more resources. Learn how to make a skirt from a broken umbrella!
Craftster.org: http://craftster.org/

Craftster.org is a repository for hip, crafty, DIY projects. It's for people who have crafty urges, but who are not excited by cross stitched bunnies and crocheted toilet paper cozies. It provides a venue for displaying current craft projects, for asking advice on future projects and getting inspiration for new endeavors.
Craftstylish: http://www.craftstylish.com/

This is a multi-craft blog powered by Taunton for crafters to connect, discover and share the crafts they love. It contains articles, tips, and tutorials on a variety of crafts. It has videos, a user gallery and more coming everyday.
The Crafty Chica: http://thecraftychica.blogspot.com/p/novels.html/

Crafty chica, Kathy Cano-Murillo has also written craft booksas well as a series of novels centered around craft themes.
Craftypod Blog: http://www.craftypod.com/

Podcasts and blogs about making stuff. Sometimes it's about project tutorials. Sometimes it's an interview with someone craftily fascinating. Sometimes it's the history behind your favorite craft supplies. Always, it's a big, crafty geekfest.
DIY: Do It Yourself Network: http://www.diynet.com/

A television and Web network with thousands of do-it-yourself projects ranging from crafts to car care. Projects, browsable by type and searchable, contain step-by-step, easily followed directions along with materials lists. Included are chat rooms and bulletin boards.
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/

Buy and sell handcrafted items on this awesome website.
getcrafty.com: http://www.getcrafty.com/

A friendly craft community covering a wide variety of crafts. There are forums, instructions, ideas and even craft meet ups.
HGTV Crafts: http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/crafting/0,1788,HGTV_3352,00.html

Home & Garden Television is the only network devoted to providing comprehensive information to inspire the home enthusiast. Here you'll get top tips from some of America's best decorators, interior designers, and craft experts. There are complete projects, articles about individual aspects of a craft and resources.
She's Crafty: http://www.hgtv.ca/ontv/titledetails.aspx?titleid=111458

When stichin’ became bitchin’ and knit cafes began popping up in the trendiest of neighbourhoods, it became clear that crafts weren’t just for grannies anymore. Host Wendy Russell demonstrates that crafting is fun, easy and a great way to liven up the home, as well as offering up tips like how to knit a laptop bag or reinventing ways to reuse an old tee-shirt.
Instructables: Craft: http://www.instructables.com/home?category=craft

Instructables is a web-based documentation platform where passionate people share what they do and how they do it, and learn from and collaborate with others. The seeds of Instructables germinated at the MIT Media Lab as the future founders of Squid Labs built places to share their projects and help others.
Martha Stewart Living Crafts: http://www.marthastewart.com/crafts

This is the Crafts section of Martha Stewart Living website. It has craft projects divided into the areas of Gifts & Wraps; Cards & Paper; Wreaths; Needlework; Decorating Projects; "Good Things" and a lessons in crafting in "Crafts 101". The projects are constantly changing.
Piddix: http://www.piddix.com/etsy.htm

Piddix specializes in finding and creating exquisite images for all of your design applications. This local collage artist/crafter shares her work, tips for selling on Etsy and lots of other useful information.

Knitting/Crocheting/Spinning

Did you know that you can receive email alerts to let you know when something new on your favorite topic is added to the catalog? Just follow the link to the save my search page and learn how to create a saved search.

Antique Pattern Library: http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org

This ongoing project is an effort to scan needlework pattern books that are in the public domain, to preserve them, so we can keep our needlework heritage in our hands. Patterns include more than just needlework--crochet, knitting, tatting, netting, embroidery, needle lace, beading and other needlework patterns are also available in pdf format. To find the actual patterns, select the link to the catalog . Please note the rules for copying and using the resources.
Aurora Colony Handspinners' Guild: www.auroracolonyhandspinners.com/Welcome.html

A welcoming group that hosts the Fiber Faire in April, a dye day and picnic in July and workshops every October. The Fiber Faire offers beginning spinning workshops and this group has an annual Christmas party too! Located in Canby, Oregon.
Berroco: http://www.berroco.com/

Fine yarns, free knitting videos, patterns and newsletter as well as knitting trends to know about.
Crochet! the magazine: http://www.crochetmagazine.com/

Welcome to the world's first and only Internet-ready, complete and unabridged online crochet magazine! You'll get free illustrated patterns, a handy stitch guide and crochet news.
FreePatterns.com: http://www.freepatterns.com/

Over 1500 free craft patterns for crochet, cross-stitch, quilting, crafts, plastic canvas, and knitting. Free registration required. Images and diagrams may be available.
International Knitting Meet-Up Groups: http://knitting.meetup.com/

Join other Knitters in the Portland area on a regular basis. Meetup with other local knitters in your town to trade patterns and tips. (3rd Wednesday of every month.) This is one of many organized Meet-Ups for interest groups of all types.
Joy of Handspinning: http://www.joyofhandspinning.com/

This site contains lots of instructional videos on hand spinning and wool preparation. They also include instructions on how to make a drop spindle, too.
The Knitting Page: http://weaving.about.com/hobbies/weaving/mbody.htm

About.com's Knitting Web page. It has knitting FAQ's, patterns, reviews, newsletters: all you could need for knitting!
Knitty.com: http://www.knitty.com/

Knitty.com is an online magazine featuring free patterns, articles on techniques and lifestyle interests of knitters.
KnittingHelp.com: http://www.knittinghelp.com/

Learn to knit with free online videos! Beginners, can start here or browse the knitting videos in the Basic and Advanced Technique sections. If you have any questions, or just want to hang around with a fabulous bunch of knitters, visit the friendly Knitting Forum!
Knitter's Review: http://www.knittersreview.com/

Knitter's Review is a free weekly online magazine full of information for knitting and fiber enthusiasts. It has great book reviews as well as reviews of yarns and tools.
Ravelry: A Knitting and Crochet Community: https://www.ravelry.com/account/login

A social networking site especially for knitters and crocheters as well as a resource for everything knit and crochet, including free patterns, knitting events, communicating with other knitters, and a place to store information about your projects. Share your needlework creations and see other people's, show off your yarn stash, browse patterns, and more! Requires free registration.
Spindlicity: http://www.spindlicity.com/

A quarterly online magazine for hand spinners. It has articles, projects and reviews.
Vintage Knitting Blog: http://www.vintageknitting.net

This blog chronicles the process of working from vintage knitting patterns. Lots of projects and patterns, some for a small fee.

Needlework

If you would like to look at the big list of needlework books, use the subject heading needlework . Notice there are 21 related subject headings for needlework including cross-stitch, applique, and embroidery. You can be general or specific in your search.

Antique Pattern Library: http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org

This ongoing project is an effort to scan needlework pattern books that are in the public domain, to preserve them, so we can keep our needlework heritage in our hands. Patterns include more than just needlework--crochet, knitting, tatting, netting, embroidery, needle lace, beading and other needlework patterns are also available in pdf format. To find the actual patterns, select the link to the catalog . Please note the rules for copying and using the resources.
Counted Cross Stitch, Needlework, and Stitchery Page: http://home.comcast.net/~kathydyer/

This needlework site provides original content (the Needlework FAQs), archived material from the rec.crafts.textiles.needlework newsgroup, and an extensive list of needlework links.
Fiberlink: http://www.fibergypsy.com/

Dedicated to "connecting fiber enthusiasts with the Web and each other," this valuable site has annotated links to mostly knitting and a some useful needlework and other textile-related sites. Of special interest is a section on liturgical textiles, as well as one on which fiber artists can advertise their wares.
Sublime Stitching: http://www.sublimestitching.com/

This site is great for both expert and novice and includes instructions as well as patterns. Sublime stitching specializes in non-traditional embroidery themes by Jenny Hart. There are over fifty alternative themes, groups, blog and how to instructions available through her website.

Paper Arts and Scrapbooking

The library catalog uses a variety of terms for paper crafts but the subject heading for scrapbooking is scrapbooking!

Dragonhome's Place: http://www.littlebit.com/rubber1.htm/

"You can find all sorts of information here on rubberstamps, cigar boxes, scrapbooks, polymer clay, collage, altered books and so much more!" The site has ideas for projects, tips and tutorials.
Digital Scrapbooking Place: http://http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/

DSP's Digital Scrapbook University offers free tutorials for a variety of techniques and graphics software programs, as well as galleries, forums and freebies.
Piddix: http://www.piddix.com

Piddix specializes in finding and creating exquisite images for all of your design applications. This local collage artist/crafter shares her work, tips for selling on Etsy and lots of other useful information.
RubberStampMadness: http://www.rsmadness.com/

This is the website for RubberStampMadness, the magazine for rubber stamp arts and crafts. There are articles and links geared to rubber stampers, mixed-media artists, collagists, scrapbook fans, mail artists, journalers, papercraft enthusiasts, teachers and the many others involved with this creative pastime.
Scrapbook.com: http://www.scrapbook.com/

One of the largest and fastest-growing scrapbooking websites features an online superstore, forums, a library of articles, a gallery of over 200,000 layouts, links to thousands of blogs, free email and online classes, and a customizable "My Place" area that allows scrapbookers to create their own personal web pages. It also includes Computerscrapbook.com

Quilting

Alliance for American Quilts: http://www.allianceforamericanquilts.org/

Home of the quilt index which provides unique access to unpublished documentation on American quilts and quiltmaking. This growing research and reference tool is designed to provide information and images about quilts held in private and public hands. Search for quilts by pattern, quilter, location and more.
American Quilt Study Group: http://www.americanquiltstudygroup.org

The American Quilt Study Group establishes, sustains, and promotes the highest standards for quilt-related studies.
Association of Pacific Northwest Quilters (APNQ): http://www.apnq.org/

The purpose of this nonprofit, public benefit corporation is "to promote the art of quiltmaking and to encourage and reward quiltmakers in the geographical Pacific Northwest." The Web site features pictures of award-winning quilts, slideshows, links, and membership information.
Clark County Quilters: http://clarkcountyquilters.org/

Features a general information brochure, announcements of quilting programs and events in the Northwest, and quilt facts and figures (including quilt size measurements, standard batting sizes, and yardage charts). Includes photographs of members' quilts and links to member websites.
FreePatterns.com: http://www.freepatterns.com/

Over 1500 free craft patterns for crochet, cross-stitch, quilting, crafts, plastic canvas, and knitting. Free registration required. Images and diagrams may be available.
The Latimer Quilt and Textile Center: http://www.oregoncoast.com/latimertextile/

Oregon's own Textile Museum in Tillamook. Their mission is to preserve, promote, display and facilitate the creation of and provide education about the textile arts. Located on the Oregon Coast, the non-profit museum has a research library, consignment shop, workroom and a quilting & basting service.
Northwest Quilters: http://www.northwestquilters.org/

The Quilting Guild located in Portland, Oregon. Information about the guild, its charitable activities, and the annual Quilt Show. "Honoring the past, Embracing the present, Guiding the future." Features a general information brochure, announcements of quilting programs and events in the Northwest and includes photos of past raffle quilts and many quilting links.
Quilt History: http://www.quiltihistory.com

The Quilt History list was created to provide a forum for people around the world who are interested in antique quilts and related textiles to discuss the historical aspects of quilting. There are discussions on all aspects of antique quilts - fabrics, design, color, etc. - as well as the stories behind them. We also share our experiences with the more practical aspect of antique quilts - finding, washing, researching, restoring and even reproducing.
The Quilt Index: http://www.quiltindex.org

The Quilt Index is a growing research and reference tool designed to provide unprecedented access to information and images about quilts held in private and public hands. The Quilt Index aims to be a central resource that incorporates a wide variety of sources and information on quilts, quiltmakers and quiltmaking. A powerful engine lets you search for quilts by design, quilter, location, date and more.
Quilts and Quiltmaking in America 1978-1996: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/qlthtml/

This site from the Library of Congress American Memory Project, showcases materials from two American Folklife Center collections, the Blue Ridge Parkway Folklife Project Collection (1978) and the All-American Quilt Contest. The collection includes nearly 200 segments from recorded interviews with quiltmakers and over 400 images.
World Wide Quilting Page: http://quilt.com/Quilt

This site for quilters includes patterns and instructions, many users pages, trading post, quilting hints, quilter biographies and websites, quilt shows, shops, and regional events.

Sewing

Home Sewing Association: http://www.sewing.org/

The Association brings together fabric, pattern, notions, fiber, craft, home decorating, publishing and sewing machine companies with manufacturers, retailers, educators, wholesalers and buying offices. A handy section on Sewing Guidelines provides educational articles in pdf format.
Pattern Review: http://sewing.patternreview.com/

The site offers more than just pattern reviews. There are reviews of sewing machines, articles about sewing, online classes and lots of members with whom you can chat and share information.
BurdaStyle: http://www.burdastyle.com

Use this site to download copyright-free sewing patterns, learn with step-by-step sewing tutorials, share your sewing creations and skills, find sewing project ideas and connect with other sewers.
ISMACS International: http://www.ismacs.net/

The official website of the International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society. ISMACS is recognised as the leading authority on early sewing machine history.
Sewing Tutorials: http://sewingtutorials.blogspot.com/

Arranged by category, this blog links to sewing tutorials on the Web. The emphasis is on the techniques of sewing, not finished projects.
Threads Online: http://www.taunton.com/threads/

This site is from the popular Threads magazine , with articles on materials, machines, tools, patterns, design, fitting, and working with fabric. Discussion forums allow questions to be posted and answered and there is an annotated list of Web sites for sewers. Most of the information is geared toward garment construction, but there is also information on quilting and a collection of machine-embroidery design downloads.
Vintage Pattern Lending Library: http://www.vpll.org/

Do you love the wonderful clothing styles of past eras? Looking for that perfect garment to wear to a historical event? Always trying to track down vintage needlework patterns? This site also contains articles, fashion timelines, a fashion glossary, and other interesting items of period research. If you have a question regarding the clothing and hair styles, and techniques of bygone days, look here.
Vintage Sewing Books-Online Inspiration: http://www.colettepatterns.com/blog/colette-patterns-news/vintage-sewing-books-online-inspiration

Blogger,Caitlin, has gathered vintage sewing book resources on this site, as well as patterns and a forum to share ideas and inspiration. There is also a long list of readers' sewing blogs if you want to read more!

Social Networks

Social networks are a wonderful way to share your interests with fellow crafters, show off your work and meet new people. You can also find blogs and social networks under specific categories on this page.

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/

Buy and sell handmade or vintage items, art and supplies on Etsy, the world's most vibrant handmade marketplace.
Crafters.org: http://crafters.org

Craftster.org is a repository for hip, crafty, DIY projects. It's for people who have crafty urges, but who are not excited by cross stitched bunnies and crocheted toilet paper cozies. It provides a venue for displaying current craft projects, for asking advice on future projects and getting inspiration for new endeavors.
Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/account/login

Ravelry is THE resource for everything knit and crochet, including free patterns, knitting events, communicating with other knitters, and a place to store information about your projects. Share your needlework creations and see other people's, show off your yarn stash, browse patterns, and more! Requires free registration.
Craftstylish: http://www.craftstylish.com/

This is a multi-craft blog powered by Taunton for crafters to connect, discover and share the crafts they love. It contains articles, tips, and tutorials on a variety of crafts, in a variety of formats. As a registered user, you can share projects, blog and post comments.