I'm always trying to improve my hand sewing skills, and Claire usually has really good instructions, drawings and photos of examples. to make everything "gel".

gorgeous! What a great way to save and enjoy such labor-intense and beautiful work.

Here's another vote for the edge stitch foot, but I also love my walking foot--it makes so many tasks easier. I recently bought a Bernina 830LE and cannot wait to use this edge stitch foot with the built in dual feed--like having my two favorite feet all in one!

The more I sew, the more I learn and the more I realize how much more I have to learn! Most of my advanced skills have been learned from Threads articles, but haven't get every issue, so it would wonderful to have a book that covers the key stuff.

My advice is to seriously consider your dealer, especially if you are new to sewing. Look for a dealer that offers classes and events, has a helpful, knowledgeable staff that doesn't pressure you to buy on your first visit.
The right dealer can make the difference between an exciting new endeavor or a frustrating buying experience.
I also second everything said about buying the best machine you can afford that has the features you need. A cheap machine will only end in frustration and discouragement. Most dealers accept trade-ins, so once you've mastered your machine you can think about trading up to one with more features.

Sewing is sensual, creative, methodical and productive. I get all that in one project!

I've been dyeing fabric since college, but still get a kick out the process. It is always so dramatic then you take a white/off white fabric and end up with a vibrant new color. I use fiber reactive dyes, which are mainly for cellulosic fibers such as cotton, linen, hemp and rayon, but have had good results with silk as well, though the resulting colors can be very different.
My advice for anyone interested in dyeing for the first time: take your time, always do test swatches, and even when you are dyeing "for real", always throw in samples of other fabrics/fibers to build a library of colors for reference.

Juliette

I use the "fancy" scraps and small remnants to make small, quilted, zippered bags. They are great for hostess gifts and gift exchanges. Now that I have an embroidery machine, I'm adding motifs to make them even prettier.
As far as yardage goes, I'm fortunate to have enough space that I don't have to purge. I keep all fabric that I think I may use someday. I just recently used a piece I've had for 10 years to sew up a sample for the 2010 Threads/ASDP Challenge.
If I'm sure I'll never use the fabric (a poly interlock comes to mind)--I'll find a friend or co-worker who is learning to sew and give it to them.