I enjoyed the video very much. Mary Ray really knows how to make the most of fabrics. Now I want to know how she made the two items she presented at the end of the video. Fabulous pieces!

Who influenced me most? My home economics teacher! My mother had no interest at all in sewing and thought it was a 'waste' of time. Both my grandmothers sewed and gave me some direction,however, it was my diligent home economics teacher that had the most influence on me as she patiently guided me through my first skirt and then dress! From there on I ran with the "ball." I loved it and taught myself forward to make my wardrobe, then my daughters cloths, my window coverings and then home and holiday decorations. I also enjoy various types of needlework, which I also taught myself.

I love and enjoy all the types of embroidery, from classic candle wicking of unbleached thread on muslin to the pastels of a babies garment or blanket, to cross stitching, crewel, counted cross stitching and silk thread or ribbon on evening clothes or clutches. The fascination for me is with the rainbow of colors and the textures you can create; the varying degree of the stitch from the simplest to the complicated. My most favorite would be the simplest looking, candle wicking.

My practice is to reconsider, reuse and recycle -- every piece of ribbon no matter the size. I may need it someday; don't let it go to waste!