There is an art to sewing buttons on a garment correctly. Many folks fail in this deceptively simple task with a tangle of broken thread and bloody fingertips. Ragnar Torfason from the Tempus’ Sewing & Garb Accessories Weeb Site has written beautifully clear, accurate instructions for sewing shank and holed buttons. Yeah, Ragnar!

Craft Bar with Etsy Labs at MOCFA SF returns! 2010 launches with an eco-savvy theme for the conscientious consumer. On Thursday, March 4th between 4pm to 8pm craftastic classes and schmoozing begins! One of our crafty Britex employees will teach folks how to crochet with recycled plastic bags, and there will also be guided knitting lessons. Sip locally-brewed refreshments, nibble on homemade baked goods, and visit the new exhibit Rhythm and Hues: Cloth and Culture of Mali for inspiration. All skill levels welcome: materials and instruction will be provided. 51 Yerba Buena Lane. SF 94103.

I am much enamored with Floresita’s vintage embroidery transfers. I’d like to make some tea towels as a Valentine’s day gifts for all my special friends. I know a certain someone who would like the sailor boy, another pal who would roll over for these naughty puppies, and a third chum who would be coo-coo for this coffee time sparrow Britex has both plain and striped tea toweling that would be dandy to use for this project!

This free vintage DMC cross-stitch sampler pattern is adorned with love-birds carrying a wee banner of four-leaf clovers between their beaks. The heart-shaped leaves and charming bird silhouettes make this an ideal piece to work up as a hand-crafted Valentine’s day card for a special someone.

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Wet, chilly days like this make me think of sharing gossip and cups of hot chamomile or Darjeeling tea with a pal. Mollie Johanson at wildolive.blogspot.com designed this exceedingly simple and cute tea cozy, so that your tea stays as lively as your witty banter. All you need are 1/3 yard or so of outer fabric, lining, and cotton batting, along with felt scraps for the appliqué and embroidery floss to add detailing.

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This simple quilting technique from Bethany Reynolds produces an avalanche of kaleidoscope hearts; perfect for Valentine’s Day. The hearts are constructed from strips of fabric ½” by 21″, so this would be a lovely way to use up all of your scraps of Liberty of London cottons. Love makes us d-i-z-z-y!

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Nothing says “I love you” like a warm heart, and what could be better than a fuzzy, hand-knitted one! Kristin Ledgett of knitty.com made this soft little beating heart pattern for you to make in time to give to your sweetie for Valentine’s Day.

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Just in time to embroider for Valentine’s day is Her Majesty, the Rabbit Queen, courtesy of the talented Andrea Zuill of http://zuill.us/andreablog. With her sweet doe eyes, her outstandingly upright ears, and royal crown & ruff, she would look wonderful stitched on each corner of a linen tablecloth.

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homespun-threads.com designed these elfin slippers. These adorable wee shoes are perfect for the newest member of your family or community. You can make them as wild or as sweet as you’d like by varying the fabric. I can imagine them in rockin’ flames and coordinating Day of the Dead fabric, or maybe periwinkle stripes and coordinating silver stars & moons.

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Use fabric instead of throw away paper this season! The Ministry of the Environment Government of Japan published a guide on Furoshiki, an origami-like fabric folding technique suitable for wrapping packages. Combine beauty and sustainability when wrapping your gift.