Here is a picture of three grocery bags that I made for a charity fund raiser for my wife's favorite charity. They are made out of a whole bunch of diagonal 2 color squares that I have left over from another series of projects. I put a pocket in the middle of the front between the straps, to use up...

I tried asking this on the uk group but got no reply - I bought some linen to make a tablecloth, but I haven't been able to find linen thread. I did try a lacemaking site, but I wasn't sure what type of thread to order and they never responded to my email. Can anyone help? A US source would be...

I recently put up a wooden curtain pole with wooden rings for the curtains. When I put the curtain up I found it difficult to shut and open the curtains with ease ?I didn't use a heavy fabric either. Anybody else have this problem ? I want curtains that will open and shut with ease aswel as being...

Well, I got a Singer Monogrammer for slant needle machines on ebay for a few bucks, and it just arrived. The good news: it's in excellent condition. The bad news: No way in heck will it attach to a vertical needle sewing machine, such as mine. The mounting point is angled for a slant needle...

anyone know which way the needle (round--no flat side) is placed in the machine and from what direction the thread is threaded through the needle?

Hi, my name is jodi and i have recently moved to berlin and just yesterday scored myself a beautiful old singer treadle machine! Unfortunately the old leather belt is broken and I need to find a way to substitute it. Stockings didn't work I am afraid as it slips. I don't speak deutsch yet so...

Thank you, Ann. I was a little afraid my questions and their intent would be misconstrued and I'd start some sort of flaming jihad. You answered my questions in the same spirit they were asked, and I appreciate that. rec.crafts.textiles.marketplace eh? I'll check that out, though I kind of like...

It's funny how sometimes we get so used to doing the big stuff that the small stuff never occurs to us. I have a shirt I bought last year while on vacation on Cape Cod. It's a white cotton fishing shirt. I bought it more as an example piece than to wear, although it is in my size. (I have a number...

BEIDesign wrote: Found out today the areas on my upper back I thought might be spider/bug bites are Herpes Zoster. I'm taking an anti-viral (to prevent additional outbreaks) and have some ointment to keep the itching under control. Just a warning: if you had chickenpox as a kid, you...

The dress that ate my life is finally done! Of course it took my being awake for the last 2 1/2 days, but it's done! Now all I have to figure out is where to post some pics! I have to say on this one that I am NEVER going to do another project like this on a week's notice while in school again. A...

Hi ! Lurker here ! Just wondering if anyone can help advise where I could get a pattern for cowboy chaps (adult size )? My daughter makes fancy dress costumes,and she has looked at all the well known pattern books with no luck. Grateful for any suggestions thanks Margaret

Has anyone used the adhesive/ glue named E6000? It was recommended to me by a couple of people for permanently attaching flat-back rhinestones to fabric. Does anyone have experience with this adhesive? Is there something better for attaching flat-back rhinestones to stretch fabrics? Thanks in...

Help! I used Stitch Witchery to add a border on a skirt, which I have subsequently removed from the skirt. The inside hem now has leftover Stitch Witchery all over it, which has generated giant snags in my brand new pantyhose! How on earth do I remove this stuff??? Thanks! gouda

I have a question for those of you who use dress forms. I had a "vintage" dress form given to me. It is a Sears Roebuck Magic Fit form from I would guess the 60s. Never used. All the parts appear to be there. The little bags of hardware are still sealed. The instructions are with it. It even...

Just want to let people know that this book, by Kathleen Fasanella, is available on Amazon. Kathleen is the seller and I believe there are only fifteen or so left. The book has been very difficult to get and I highly reccommend it.

Hi, I am new to the group and this question may have been asked before so please bear with me. I am looking for a sewing machine for my 15 year old daughter. I need a reliable machine that she will be able to grow into. My budget is around $200.00. Any Ideas? How about a used machine, and where...

Can any of you point me to a web site and/or a book giving instructions for altering a pattern to fit a large bust? (40D in US) Every technique I've ever tried has not turned out well. Things pull across the front and the back (I have broad shoulders, too) and the armholes are always too tight. ...

Put them in BEFORE you sew the side seams.......much simpler that way. Then sew the side seam and sleeve seam all in one go. "duh who" wrote in message ... Dang these things are tedious, particularly when you screw up and have...

Hi, its me again.. the occasional lurker. waves to Kate and Cea and others who linger in RCTQ as well. Having made the decision to take the plunge and buy a serger I thought that it might be nice to know all the things that it can do for me and my sewing. Book reviews are nice, and I could wade...

I had two children who were allergic to disposable diapers -- if they had them on, their bottoms would turn BEET RED in less than two hours -- All three of mine were allergic to disposables, and since I always thought it was BARBARIC to put an innocent little baby in plastic and paper all day,...