I would like to know more about Gravity irons, as mentioned in Victoria Porter's comment above. I have been using irons with pressurized boilers for several years with many many technical problems even though I loved working with them. My current Bernina is holding on because my husband manages to repair it periodically. When this one dies I think I would like to try a Gravity iron. Can Victoria or someone tell me what they like about this kind of iron - for instance what does it do that other irons do not? What other features does it have that makes it a good reliable iron that hopefully won't burn fabric, spit on fabric, conk out in the middle of a project and whatever all those bad irons do.

I am very familiar with Pantone because I worked as s graphic artist for many years. It was and presumably still is the standard when specifying ink to the printing industry. I still have my Pantone Matching System books and use them for reference in my designing and sewing.
By the way I love the color selected by Pantone for 2012. I don't understand why there are so many negative comments posted here. It is a beautiful lively choice of color - in my opinion.
I finished a new bag yesterday that has some of this color in it. I hope to post it on "Readers Closet".

YES - I like it. Well done.

To: Island girl

Thanks for your comment - the straps in my bag are made with a cotton/polyester fabric, I tried to match as closely as possible the deep red in the tapestry.

Very nice jacket. Too bad the pattern is out of print - I love the style.

This dress is gorgeous!

Hi sidneyfield
Thanks for the comment. I found this python fabric at a factory in a small town in Maine that manufactures bags and also sells left over fabric to the public.

I'm not sure what you are asking. You can use just about anything for interfacing for bags. I often use fusible fleece, depending on the outer fabric. I usually don't interface canvas bags, just a heavy (cotton duck) lining for more stability. You can use all kinds of fabric for the exterior of bags. Hope this helps.

Very nice - I never thought about painting on ultra-suede. You've inspired me to try something new - one of these days.

I had a small mannequin (with removable arms) when I was a pre-teen or possibly in my early teens (back in the forties) and I loved making clothes for it.
I think it was marketed as a "toy" for girls, but I don't remember anything else about it. Does anyone know or remember what I'm talking about?

I had a small mannequin (with removable arms) when I was a pre-teen or possibly in my early teens (back in the forties) and I loved making clothes for it.
I think it was marketed as a "toy" for girls, but I don't remember anything else about it. Does anyone know or remember what I'm talking about?

It's interesting to see what a young designer is doing, but I think she's trying too hard to be different and not paying enough attention to good design and good workmanship.
I started designing and sewing handbags and jackets 14 years ago (I am now 74 years old and I am still at it). My designs are often inspired by what's current and trendy but first and foremost I value good workmanship and wearability.