Pay It Forward!

I loved the book by Catherine Ryan Hyde and the movie starring Kevin Spacey. In the book and the movie, the idea is described as an obligation to do three good deeds for others in repayment of a good deed that one receives. But the idea of paying it forward is not a new idea.

In ancient Athens (317 B.C.), the popular play "Dyskolos" by Menander used the concept as a key plot element. The text disappeared and was not re-published until 1957.

In April of 1784, Benjamin Franklin lent a sum of money to Benjamin Webb, and told him pay him the sum when he could by giving it to someone else who was needy. Franklin hoped it would go through many hands before there was some "Knave that will stop it's Progress. This is a trick of mine for doing a deal of good with little money."

Ralph Waldo Emerson in his essay "Compensation" wrote "the benefit we receive must be rendered again, line for line, deed for deed, cent to cent, to somebody."

In 1944, an anonymous spokesman for Alcholics Anonymous said in the Christian Science Monitor, "You can't pay anyone back for what has happened to you, so you try to find someone you can pay it forward."

And so it goes. A variation of the Golden Rule? Perhaps - but that rule taken a bit further!

And by the way, there is a Pay It Forward Foundation. You can check it out @http://www.payitforwardfoundation.org/.

My Passion for Sewing

My first blog on Addoway was the result of Frederick Nijm, co-founder of Addoway, suggesting that I write about what I am passionate about. So here goes another -

I love sewing, specifically making clothing. I haven't done much in recent years except for a few things for my grandchildren. But the love is still there. It goes dormant for a while, but always seems to come back.

In previous lives I taught sewing, managed a fabric store, and had a dressmaking business.

My current project is for the McCoy's Grand Theater's production of Seussical, the Musical! I am making the costume for the Amazing Mayzie. I can hardly wait for their performance at the end of July! The McCoy's is a wonderful community theater in Moorefield, WV., a little over 2 hours from my home.

I would like to share some of the basic sewing tips I have used over the years. Most of these are applicable whether you do craft sewing, quilting or dressmaking.

One of the easiest way to mark your fabric is to use a sliver of old-fashioned bar soap. You can get very fine marks that will usually steam out of the fabric with an iron - do test this first. Or you can wipe it off with a damp cloth.

Threading a needle can be a challenge, esp. with my old eyes! Many people will wet the thread in their mouth to try to thread the needle - but that actually splits the fibers. A better way is to put on some chapstick, and wipe your thread between your lips coating them with the chapstick. Voila, easy threading!

When you are pinning a seam, pin from each end going towards the center. That way you won't end up with extra fabric at one end. (I'm assuming the cutting was accurate - LOL)

When sewing, never sew over your pins. You risk damaging the fabric, or your machine. And when removing your pins, if the pin is between the presser foot and the feed dog, make sure you lift the foot with the needle in the fabric before pulling out the pin, or you could damage the feed dog. (Bet that one puzzles you non-sewers!)

Let me know if you like this blog and would like more sewing tips! I have a lot more I could share if you are interested. You can leave a comment at the end of this blog.

You can find some beautiful fabrics, vintage patterns and other sewing related items in my Addoway store http://www.addoway.com/donnasstuffmore/storefront or at my Etsy store http://www.etsy.com/shop/DonnasStuffMore.

Summer Clearance Sale!

Summer Clearance Sale in My Addoway Store!
Today through June 27th.

40% off your entire purchase of $10.00 or more
with Coupon Code Summer!
This will be my biggest sale this year!

http://www.addoway.com/donnasstuffmore/storefront/

Many items are already under $5.00! I can sell for less
on Addoway at this time since I do not have to pay a
final value fee as on other sites. Combine your purchases
to reach $10.00 or more to take advantage of this sale. For
example, if you purchase 10 magazines at $1 each, you
will pay $6 plus shipping!

Sorry, shipping is not discounted when purchasing one
item, but your shipping will be reduced for multiple items
sent to one address (except for very heavy items). I will
send you a separate invoice from PayPal when you are
purchasing multiple items - see note below. Shipping in
listing is for the US - if you are an international customer,
contact me so I can give you a shipping quote.

Local pick up is available.

Included in this sale are books, magazines, LP Records,
clothing, accessories, jewelry, collectibles, coins, stamps,
dolls, beauty items, fabrics, patterns, items for the home,
and so much more!

Please note: At the time of listing there is no shopping cart on
Addoway. If you want to purchase multiple items, add them to
your watch list, then copy & paste them to me in a message
and I will send you an invoice through Paypal. Payment due 3 days
after receiving invoice.

 

What Are Addo Bucks?

http://tinyurl.com/3btrfyg

Addo Bucks is a special currency you can earn on Addoway for sharing with your friends.

Every Addoway member is given 25 Addo Bucks to start with, and can earn Addo Bucks for referring friends, placing orders, rating sellers and more. Sign up at http://tinyurl.com/3rbtzd8
Addo Bucks can be redeemed for discounts on Addoway purchases, Prizes & Rewards and more.

I accept Addo Bucks for up to 10% of the purchase price in every item in my store. http://www.addoway.com/donnasstuffmore/storefront

Early Summer on Addoway

What is DealOWay on Addoway?

DealOway allows buyers to make offers on items if they want to get a better deal on the product.

Just click the DealOWay button and input your offer. It is as simple as that.

If the seller accepts your offer, it will then be located in your Offers Received box and all you have to do is convert it to an order and Pay.

With DealOWay you can make as many offers and counteroffers as possible until you both come to an agreement. If an agreement cannot be made, then the seller can decide to cancel the negotiation.

Look for the DealOWay button on select items in my Addoway store http://www.addoway.com/donnasstuffmore/storefront .