EYEGLASS SEWING KIT
I used a hard-sided eyeglass case to make a wonderful, small sewing kit. I added thread, small scissors, a thimble, a seam gauge, straight pins, and needles for hand sewing. All of the notions are self contained which makes it ideal for on-the-go sewing tasks or sewing while watching television.
– Linda Henry, Fair Oaks, California 
 
NO MORE BULGING PATTERN ENVELOPES!
Here’s a sure-fire method to get your pattern pieces back into their pattern envelope that works every time. I iron and fold each used pattern piece into envelope size “packs” using the folded instruction sheet as a template. I also refold and press unused pattern pieces back into shape. I place the pressed sheets between the instruction sheets (if there are at least two) and slip them easily back into the envelope. The instruction sheets provide a sturdy top and bottom, and the pressing flattens the pieces enough to make what used to be a challenge, a breeze!
– Carol Shoaf, Richland, Washington
 
KEEP FRAY-CHECK FLOWING
To keep Fray Check flowing easily, put a glass-headed pin in the opening when you’re finished with a project. Push it all the way down, leaving the glass head accessible, and replace the cap. It will be all ready for use on your next project, and will flow freely.
– Peggy Yackel, Plymouth, Minnesota

FEMINIZE A MAN’S SHIRT
After my husband died, I donated most of his clothing to charity. But some of his better shirts fit me beautifully, except that the sleeves were too long and the shirts looked masculine. I decided to feminize them, and I’m thrilled with the shirts I can now wear. I removed the upper and lower collars (the pointed part) which left the mandarin-like collar band. I added rick-rack, lace, seam binding,- or other trim to the collar band to feminize it. In order to keep the cuff area intact, I shortened the sleeves by cutting them between the wrist and elbow, removing a section of the sleeve and re-stitching the sleeve back together. Then I added matching trim along the seam. On some of the shirts, I also removed the buttons and replaced them with more fashionable buttons.

For one shirt, I removed the sleeves, bound the armhole, and used the sleeve fabric to add more pockets to the chest area. I sized the pockets to fit my gardening tools. When I garden, I can carry everything I need along with me. It has become my gardening shirt of choice!

I love my new shirts, and the fond memories they provide of my husband.
– Reva Barahal, West Bloomfield, Michigan

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