Month: March 2008

Sewing Hint for the Day

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Quilt Fabric available on e-bay this week!

Welcome to Sharpie Markers Week, the Sequel. Permanent markers, like Sharpie, can be used to color invisible zipper tabs that don’t match.  Invisible zippers don’t come in all colors because the manufacturer realizes they don’t have to match if they’re invisible.  However, the tab can be a problem.  Here is how I solved my dilemma:  I had a lilac zipper and a periwinkle gown.  Nothing came closer.  So I got my Royal Blue Sharpie and carefully colored the tab.  Then, before it was completely dry, I wiped it off.  It was perfect.  I probably should have colored it before I installed it.  That would have been safer.  But, fortunately, I didn’t get any on the gown.

Sewing Hint for the Day

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Generally, all set-in sleeves fit into all armscyes if the following conditions apply:  The sleeve depth from the shoulder to the armpit is ½ inch longer than the depth of the armscye.  The length of the curved upper sleeve seam is at least 1 ½ inches longer than the circumference of the armscye.  (You will have to adjust gathers or pleats according to the circumference of the armscye.)

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Polymer Clay Balloons Instructions

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Balloons

These easy polymer clay beads say, “Celebrate!”

1. Cut off a piece of polymer clay 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch by 1 inch long.

2. Warm the clay in your hands until it is pliable.

3. Roll the clay in a ball until it is smooth.

4. Narrow one end slightly as you roll to create a balloon shape.

5. Set the piece down.

6. Cut off another piece of clay about 1/8 inch by 1/8 inch by 1/4 inch long.

7. Repeat steps 2 and 3.

8. Flatten the ball until it is about 1/4 inch round.

9. Push an awl (or ice pick) into the center and form the clay around the awl until it is slightly conical.

10. Put the piece on the balloon shape at the bottom and push it in place with the awl to attach it, piercing the balloon.

11. With a large pin or needle, pierce the balloon 3/8 inch from the top and push the pin through the balloon until it begins to emerge from the opposite side. (See photo for placement of hole.)

12. Pull out pin and reinsert it into the other side to smooth out the hole.

13. Bake according to clay instructions.

That’s it!

NOTE: It is possible that the bottom piece of the balloon may fall off after baking. Reattach it with Jewel It or GemTak glue.