My condolences to her family and friends. I have several of her books and will continue to consult them for a little spark of her creative spirit.

I have never watched Project Runway. But I do like to read the show recaps here on Taunton's site (and other web sites) and see photos of the garments.

I think it's hilarious how some of the commenters here object to the designers being asked to make something suitable for Miss Piggy.

Well known celebrity personality, very particular clothing style, hard-to-fit body shape.

So she's a fictional character. So is every movie, tv or stage character. Costume designers do it every day.

Or what? They shouldn't be expected to make a fashionable dress to fit a woman who wants to look glamourous and classy, but happens to be short and chubby?

I think this was probably the most realistic thing they've been asked to design since the show began.

Fabulous! When I began crocheting and knitting, I appropriated my "seam roll", a piece of 1 inch dowel rod, to use as a nostepinne for winding yarn balls.

So I went back to using my old commercial sawdust roll for the past three years. I was wondering what wood moulding would work better than the dowel rods, and you've saved me some work! Thanks!

I already plan to replace the make-shift yarn winder with a tapered spindle and a finial for a handle (sanded and waxed).

I guess stair rail parts make the best DIY craft tools!

The email newsletter asked us to comment here on what sewing embellishments we currrently love working with.

I love beading on fabric. And I became a crocheter/knitter a few years ago, so I am now looking to incorporate those. I also love to check out the local sewing and craft stores for cute pre-made trims after I've been clothes shopping.

One project I am contemplating, I have a black, heavy denim vest that would make a great autumn jacket with the addition of knitted or crocheted sleeves. I'll draft a sewing pattern first for the shaping, then calculate stitches for a yarn.

Some of the other embellishments I have recently done (or are on my TO DO list) are:

- frayed fabric rose trim (sew-on) for a sweater (similar to the white fabric shown in the article)
- two fabric (sew-on) appliques for a cardigan sweater; also changed the buttons
- a length of chain, flat shell beads, and organza ribbon to spruce up a blouse neckline in an improvised design
- alpaca yarn crocheted into detachable lace cuffs
- organza ruffle edging glued along the top-line of a pair of evening shoes
- simple iron-on rhinestone designs for a couple long sleeve tee tops
- lots of crochet thread for simple edgings and motifs to fill in low necklines

I haven't used any spray fabric paint yet, but just got some to try a scrunched design on a tee.