Sweet_Pea

This being my first season of watching Project Runway, I have nothing to compare to as some of the previous commentors. However, I do get the feeling that some people enjoy the back biting that seemed to be Irina's main theme. Personally, I don't think its attractive. Additionally, ever since the episode where Irina accused Althea of copying one of her sweater designs, she has kept a leering eye on everything Althea produced.

No doubt, all 3 of these ladies have wonderful talent, but I would have chosen Althea's collection as the winner. I think she had the most wearable pieces for the everyday and uptown woman. Loved the green dress and khaki pants. Carol's collection was impecable as well with lots of interesting detail, and I especially love her teal Grecian goddess gown. Irina's collection, was fantastic in its own way, but I just can't see the everyday woman wearing any of those pieces. It was way out there although put together beautifully.

Oh, I could so use some new and updated "Everyday Chic" skirts and wardrobe pieces. This sounds like just the book for me.

I love to sew for Christmas, but I think my favorite time of year to sew is the fall. I love all things fall -- new table clothes, napkins, placemats, wall hangings, throw pillows, quilts, and on and on. I love the colors of fall and the warm homey feeling I get from being surrounds by them. I guess I just get in my "Becky Homeckie" mode in the fall.

I'm with LindaLouise, this is my first season watching Project Runway. I find it interesting to hear what the judges have to say. I don't always agree with them, but I find their comments interesting anyway. I wonder if the designers had more time to think before they do their sketches and if they had more time to choose colors, fabrics and trims if their designs would be more in line with what we think of when we think "runway designs".

As far as this week's designs, I'm glad Nicolas is gone. He's only done one item that I really liked. I did love Gordana's Park Avenue look as well as Carol and Irina's looks. Maybe not totally fantastic looks, but definitely wearable and appropriate for the destinations intended.

I really liked Carol Hannah's design. Very cute both coming and going. I also like Gordana's suit. I don't think it deserved the comments from the judges.

I do not think Althea's design was the best. To me the sweater was a flop and the slacks were just crazy.


Even though I did not like Logan's design, I do think his model really worked it and wore it well. To me, that is what many items on the run way look like, just out there!

How adorable can you get! And even better that these tasty treats and purchases are made of recycled materials!

Diane,

How beautiful! Love it. It has such a rich look to it.

Thank you friends. I appreciate the compliments. And, I am really enjoying using my casserole set!

What a sweet treat for your Valentine sweetie!

What a sweet edition to a wonderfully warm prim atmosphere! Love the design and your choice of fabric and colors.

Okay Jennifer, you got me now! I have been machine embroiderying for about 4 years now and was hooked from the moment I saw and embroidery machine demo. I have a Viking Designer I and 4D Embroidery Extra software. I love both of them. I would like to upgrade my software to the Pro package, but money does not allow that right now. I embroidery just about everything: clothes, pillows, placemats, napkins, tablecloths, fleece, purses, etc. But, my favor project is my embroidered rubber waffle placemats. Pics can be seen in my gallery.

I would love to see more embroidery project ideas. I'm always looking for the next fun thing to do. I don't know exactly what I'm looking for, but when I see it, I know it! Some new, fun and different. Surprise me!!!

I love this idea too. Normally I don't purchase the very large cones of thread. However, recently I was sent a sample from Fil-Tec to try. I didn't have a large cone holder, so I decided to just try it on my machine's spindle and gently hold the cone while winding a bobbin. Well, the bobbin wound so tight because the cone did not fit properly on the spindle that I could not get the bobbin off the winder.

Moral of the story, be sure to use the proper cone holder. And, I'm glad I tried this will free thread because I had to totally unwind the bobbin to get it off the winder. Glad it didn't cost me any money. But, I will defintely try out this idea next time I want to try this Fil-Tec large cone of tread.

Susan,

Way cool bracelet! And I can't believe how easy it is to make those skull beads. Great job and fantastic project.

Mary,

What a great solution to the slashing and stuffing method. I always found that to be way too tedious, but your method seems much easier. I think I'll give it a try. Bet its a great time saver too.

Jen,

Thank you so much for the very informative instructions on how to embroidery on baseball caps. I was also under the impression that you HAD to have the cap hoop to do this. Your instructions were clear and concise and have empowered me to give it a try.

WATCH OUT BOYS!! YOU'RE ALL GETTING BALL CAPS FOR CHRISTMAS!

What wonderful ideas for helping us cope with economic disaster. I too am tired of hearing about it and more than tired of living in it. I especially love the idea of a crafting swap. Definitely something to consider if you have excess in your crafting and sewing space.

In an effort to cut back on spending, I've gathered together all of my unfinished projects and made a concerted effort to get them finished. Quite a few are done and only a couple more to go. Great for sales at craft shows and as gifts. Don't forget about the power of the internet too. I use an online photo album to post anything I want to sell. I pass the web address around at work and to others, and I am amazed at home much of these items get sold. I guess its kind of my own Etsy.com site.

Michaela,
I love your story too! I'm sure it was traumatic at the time, but the laughs are abounding right now. What a timely and interesting story to share with us. Thank you, Sweet Pea

And who gets to clean all that up when the party's over? Looks like everyone is having loads of fun.

A very heart warming site indeed! And, I too love the sweet little bird hiding amoung the foliage. How autumn can you get!

Very lovely flower. And great use of scraps. We can always use more ideas to do with those leftovers. That flower looks so beautiful. Reminds me of a wedding dress.

Way too adorable. I'm sure your little clowns were the talk of the Halloween trick or treaters!

Actually I just use Premium Sulky 40st Rayon embroidery thread. And yes, you simply rinse or soak to clean. I usually roll the wet mats in a towel to get most of the water off and then lay flat to dry. What's really cool about these mats is that you can do them for any season, holiday or special occasion. They can really dress up a table with a minimum of cost.

Wildtangent,

The wedding dress is so beautiful. Wonderful job! It looks like something from a fairytale.

Micheala,

I love your article and I love the comments by the posters! How true is this for so many of us. We've all got these stories, but it is so refreshing to read someone else's. We can laugh. I don't know, but I think the appreciation of handmade, blood sweat & tears projects has truly fallen by the wayside.

Remember the day when all people had was handmade? AND, they were happy to have that!

Micheala,

I loved this article and will be looking for the other updates. I think there are many of us who can relate to the feelings you have experienced. My fulltime job is not in the craft industry, but I do love to sew, crafts and quilt. However, I do a lot of craft shows. It seems that I spend most of my "crafting time" getting ready for shows and very little on myself. And, then there are always the projects everyone else wants me to do for them -- mend this, can you make that, will you do this, blah, blah, blah. Well, I got in a crafting/sewing funk and let me sewing room go to pot for months -- never getting anything done except keeping up on the computer groups and looking at other people's projects. Finally, I thought, "What am I going to have to do to break out of this!" So, Labor Day weekend I bought some paint, had my husband pack up my sewing room (and no, I didn't care how he packed it -- it was a mess already), and then I commenced to an update. I just felt I needed to do something for myself. Everything got a good washing, some new paint, updated window treatments (made with fabric I had on hand), changed up some door and drawer knobs and handles (luckily with some that were being stored in the garage), and a bit of artwork (which was also being stored -- intended for another room that never got done). For the cost of 2 gallons of paint, some elbow grease and a weekend, I got a refreshed sewing/crafting area to jump start my creative juices. Since the update just a week or so ago, I've gotten 5 simple projects finished and am excited to do more. They are lined up. These items are also for my craft shows, but I don't feel like I'm pulling my teeth out to do them for a show. I'm doing them because I feel like being creative again.

I guess, to sum it all up, sometimes revamping our surroundings can help us out of a crafting funk. I love your "Crafternoon" idea too. Now that I'm revamped, reorganized and reenergized, I may just invite a friend or two over for a Crafternoon too!

BTW, great pillows and love Jennifer's quirky PJ pants!