Recycled Pants = Skirt

Several months or possibly a year ago, Vogue Patterns magazine published an article on converting a pair of pants into a skirt, without the resulting 'hippy/boho' look that usually happens. I'd been wanting to try that as I usually wear skirts, so took a pair of green corduory pants that were a good 12 or more years old but were wearing like iron to try out the project. Found that the skirt ended up too short for my nasty looking knees, so added another strip of corduory from the leftover legs and a nice chunk of lace and my knees are covered. Instead of 'hippy' I got 'old fashioned' style! Oh well, not something most women my age would probably wear, but I'm happy to have something 'new' to wear. Now I have to decide if I want to do this with some of the many pairs of jeans I have that aren't getting worn.

New Addition to My Sewing Room

Since our last desktop computer bit the bullet, I haven't done any machine embroidery. For some reason, my Customizer program never got installed on the newest computer even though it was on my laptop. But the laptop wasn't connected to a computer and I now needed a doohickey so that I could use the memory card in my 300e. The worst thing about sewing and computer stuff is how easily they go out of date. Anyhow, I realized that part of my problem in getting behind in embroidery projects, other than just poor health and lack of time, is that I have always had my computer and printer right next to my machine so that sewing out a designs after printing a template was super easy. Well a few weeks ago when I got my list from Amazon on items that I could pick to review, there was a printer on the list! I managed to get it (usually things like that disappear before I ever get a chance to see it). So our newest member in our computing family is a Samsung color laser printer! It arrived and with no particular 'need' for a printer Hubby and I discussed where to put it for awhile. Since the toners for this printer are rather expensive and the paper tray doesn't hold much, we knew we couldn't use it for the routine office work for our business. So now my sewing room has a new, very special color printer. The printouts in color are terrific. Laser is so much better than ink jet! I got it set up and my laptop besides it with the Janome 300E off to the side of me and suddenly I felt at home again. I was able to print out in color templates for a Christmas gift I want to make. Now I can do what I need to without having to bother hubby while he is on the computer. I'm still trying to sort out and straighten up the sewing room and then it is back to the quilt I'm making for someone specials Christmas present and have another present embroidering out at the same time. What fun!

If you want to see what I got, click on the Amazon link below. I don't expect you to buy it, but if you need a great color printer, this is a nice one. I'm just happy to have a new 'toy'.

How to Make a Snail Frog Closure - Threads

Here is a technique that you might want to try. Kenneth King is so creative and his instructions are easy to understand. How to Make a Snail Frog Closure - Threads

Sewing Savvy

Yesterday, I had a chance to run into town and stop at the library for a bit. As I usually do when there, I check out all the magazines that have been donated and are up for sale. I managed to snag 8 copies of the 2008-2009 issues of Sewing Savvy magazine. I'm sorry to say that this publication has ceased publication at this point. I did a quick flip through and when I have time I will be reading more of the articles in the magazines. They have an impressive amount of projects for embellishing clothing, kids clothes, kitchen and home projects, aprons, and seasonal decorations. Rather than focus on one type of sewing, they would give tips on what to do if you, say for instance, don't have an embroidery machine how to make the featured item anyhow. They also used lots of fancy stitches when appropriate. I especially love books and magazines that can help me imagine the possibilities of all the decorative stitches on my machine. I know I am going to get lots of ideas from these magazines, and the best part? They were only 25 cents apiece which I managed to scrounge the $2 total price out of the coins in the bottom of my purse!

For those that have hobbies and want to thin out their stash of magazines, etc. don't forget your local library or thrift store -- never, ever the garbage. Most are happy to take donations. I know I personally am always ready and willing to take any kind of needlecraft magazines off of any one's hands. Free of course being the best price LOL! I use them as the equivalent of picture books on the days I'm especially not feeling well as it takes my mind off the pain. So many thanks to whoever donated these particular magazines to the McCord Library in North East, PA! I've gotten some great magazines there during this year.