needles and threads

Bev over on Taccolina has just posted a tutorial for making needle books. She was inspired after hearing a crafter say she was feeing the loss of all my crafty supplies... I don't even own a needle and thread!

So here's a reminder that the re-stash effort can be as simple as giving someone back the capacity to do a mending job - a needle and thread, a pair of scissors.

If you have a spare moment, prettying things up with one of Bev's needlebooks would be all the better, and even better yet would be using one of the zillions of online tutorials for making a pouch, purse, tote or storage box to keep these things in. Zip lock bags don't last forever and a lovely bag is a quick and achievable craft project!

Here's a few links to try:
My super easy back pack stash tote or re-stash bag
The Cicada Daydream Fat Quarter Tote
The Craft Nectar Grab Bag
Chick Pea Studio Everything Pocket Bag
Purl Bee's Monk Bag
Craft Stylish tool roll (great for collecting tools for a bloke as well as needle and hook rolls if made in fabric rather than leather)
Whip Up's sizeable list of bag tutorials or totally awesome tutorial list (enough ideas to keep a crafter going for a lifetime, including a whole section on bags and purse in the latter post)

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Don't forget the blokes

Blokes often get the short end of the stick in the handmade line. I know there isn't much I can make for my bloke that he appreciates. Not much, but there are two things he loves - hand knitted socks and hats. Can't get enough of the socks in particular. And that works for me because socks and hats don't use much yarn or take too long to make.

Perhaps if you are a knitter you could think about knitting some bloke size socks, or a nice blokey beanie to donate in preparation for the colder weather later in the year? If you aren't an experienced knitter - hats are very quick and easy (especially if knitted in a bulky yarn). Ask at a local yarn store and I am sure someone could help you get going.

There are a tonne of free patterns and tutorials on the internet to try - here's a couple to get you going, but don't hesitate to search further!

Hats:
http://www.styledbykristin.com/rugged-ribbed-knit-hat-pattern/
http://www.woollywormhead.com/free-patterns/
http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/hats/london-beanie.htm
http://www.redlipstick.net/knit/martext.html

Socks:
http://www.knitlist.com/97gift/menssocks.htm
http://knitsix.wordpress.com/2007/09/14/manly-socks-free-pattern/
http://www.purlbee.com/socks-for-giving/
http://www.violinjodie.com/blog/globe-trotter-socks/

Or email me if you know of another really good, free pattern we could recommend (soozs[dot]com[at]gmail[dot]com)

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How To List On EBay - Take 2

We've all had a chat and we think that the EBay listings have been working really well.
Cindy points out that it's great that they are in Aussie dollars. Nan is currently liaising with eBay about what we are doing and the best way to go about listing correctly (hopefully by donors registering at the Red Cross site).

Until then, list your item on Etsy.


If you still choose to list your Handmade Help item on eBay - please list it as follows:

• List the Description of your Item - Followed by 'Handmade Help'

eg- Huge Patchwork Quilt Made by Lucy - Handmade Help - http://www.handmadehelpsout.blogspot.com

• Please do not mention the keywords - Red Cross, Donation or Bushfire Appeal. Ebay is checking every listing which uses these words and removing those that don't adhere to it's strict Fundraising Listings Policy. Our plan is to work with eBay to make sure that we DO adhere to their policy - but it may take a few precious days to get to that point - and we will soldier on until then.
  

We will allow one week to sort this out with eBay - and if we can't we will only be listing via Etsy after that. We totally understand why eBay has such policies - but we will just have to take our good work elsewhere if we can't reach a quick resolution.

On an equally important note - we will be taking direct donations of goods at our collection points for many more months. See the side bar for drop-off points. There are plenty of ways to help!

Thank you!

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Payment Reciepts and Non-Payments.

Trust - we need quite a bit of it here.
We trust that those of you that offer an item for sale WILL forward the money onto either the RED CROSS or WILDLIFE VIC.
We trust that those that purchase an item WILL pay for it.
We trust that those that have offered donations of clothes, toys and other goods WILL follow through.

In our attempt to make this as transparent a process as possible we NEED you receipt number that you will receive from the red cross/wildlife vic on payment and the amount you donated. If we do not hear from you we will be chasing up those details. Please email them to Cindy (links in the side bar) within 14 days.

We just want to make this a place for hope and good stuff, we hope you do too.

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EBay LIsting

You may or may not be aware that EBay are currently taking down some of our auctions as they do not comply with there "Charitable Listings Policy". To align with that policy every person that listed would have to get a letter from the Red Cross to allow you to represent them to minimise false representation. More paperwork, just what the Red Cross need.
The only option we can see is for all items to be listed on Etsy, who do not have the same policy but prices will need to be fixed. If you wish to set up a silent bidding auction on your blog, that too is your choice. You can also put it in you existing on-line shop if you have one.
Don't have a Etsy shop, fear not, you can come and borrow space at mine. I will need photos, listing details and a sale price in USD. Thanks so much for all your hard work, we will sort this out and get the money to those in need. If you currently have an EBay listing we will be taking the links down so you will need to let us know how you want to proceed.
Any other ideas - PLEASE let us know.

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Register With The Red Cross As A Fundraiser HERE

Click this link!
You can then create your own web-page and add your donations as they come in. PLUS, we can all see how awesome you are!

xx pip

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Is Etsy Listings ok

Of course, auction on your own blog, Etsy, whatever as long as all proceeds are going to charities involved in the Victorian Fire Devastation I would love to put them on here.

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How to Be Involved

1. Individually put up your listings with Handmade Help somewhere in the title on Etsy or ANYWHERE in cyberspace that you fancy. If you are donating percentages of sales from your whole shop - tell us! If you have any concerns about listing, Silly Gilly has kindly offered to do listings for people. If you want to list on EBay please read this first.

2. If you have a blog please post about what you are auctioning and where you are going to send the donation to.

3. Send any of the lovely ladies listed in the side bar the link to the listing and it will be posted with a picture and details.

4. Once the listing is sold, you post out the goods and send in you donation individually, we will let everyone decide if they are taking out postage and listing fees, just let people know.
ALL DONATIONS MUST GO TO RED CROSS OR WILDLIFE VICTORIA.

5. Then Email Cindy (Links in side bar) the following:

• Your Item Description
• The Charity You Donated To
• Amount Raised In $AUD
• Receipt number

6. Become a follower of the blog so that you can get regular updates on what auctions are coming up.

7. Don't forget to bid. EMAIL ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO LET THEM KNOW THAT THEY CAN GET LOTS OF BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE ITEMS HERE OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS AND HELP A GREAT CAUSE TOO.

Also if you leave a comment and are a non-reply blogger please include your email so we can get back to you.

I know a few people seem a little concerned that what they put up will not sell, please don't - someone WILL love it. Trust me, just hold my hand and get it out there.

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