Sweet_Pea

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.

All I can say is "WOW"! Who know toilet tissue could look so beautiful?

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!