This book appeals to the part of me that loves to "play" with fabrics.

Although I do cothing and home dec more than I quilt, my big quilt project was making 13 rag quilts for my grandchildren for Christmas. The problem was, I didn't begin until October. Grandpa stepped up and did all of the cutting of the seams to create the rag fringe. And, he was at the laundromat on Christmas Eve washing and drying the last of the quilts. The owners finally told him to lock the door as he went out after he was finally finished.

I am a wannabe quilter. Most of my projects have been home dec and apparel and rag quilts for the grandchildren. I do have the fabric and all of the "stuff" except time to do some genuine quilts.

I admire Louise Cuttings techniques so much. They always make so much sense, but are easy to understand.

After many years of avoiding linens because of their wrinkling aspects, I am starting to turn back to them. My choicest piece of linen is a linen cutwork table topper that my grandmother saved for me-my mother had made it for her.

I am not certain that I can explain what I learned many many years ago, but it works! If the stripe causes your eyes to go up and down when you look at it from a little distance, that will help achieve a slimming effect. However, if the stripe causes your eyes to go from side to side, that will have the effect of making you look wider. For instance, a wide stripe with several distinct colors will cause you eyes to go side to side, going from one stripe to another. If however, there is one distinct stripe that causes your eyes to go up and down that will have the opposite effect. There are also stripes that placed horizontally, will make you look slimmer because they draw the eyes upward. Practice looking at different stripes from a short distance and you will soon learn to see where your eyes naturally go. Then you can use them to your best advantage to takes the eyes where you want them to go.

Painted lace would be my first pick.

WOW! Would my husband ever love that! Then he "might" be able to get me to part with years of accumulated magazines. Although, there is still something about just opening that magazine and thinking about all I could do if I just had more time.

I have relied on Claire's techniques for years and find them where and when I can. Should be a great book.

Please tell us where to find grograin that is that wide! I would love to find it if I am going to apply some of your wonderful helps. Thanks.

I know what colors look best on me. I enjoy using colors from a palette that are good for me and only use the others in ways that won't be obvious with my coloring. My mother always asked when considering the current style, etc., "Do you want to look just like everyone else?" She thought one reason to sew was to set your own style. However, she did let my best friend and I make identical dresses for a special dance.

My spring/summer wardrobe is sadly depleted and I am going to focus in creating some new items. Then I have a huge drapery project!

This busy, struggling to find time to sew, seamstress would love some quick project ideas.

Sewing for children is one of my favorites - that and teaching children to sew!

My mother was a very creative seamstress and used whatever was available to achieve the work she was trying to do. I never knew that there was such a thing as a seam gauge until I was grown. When she wanted to measure a hem or something similar, she would use a piece of thin cardboard (usually the board bias tape, etc. came on) and notch it down in an "L" shape to use as her "seam gauge". It always worked and her results were professional!