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 .

Huge Memorial Day Sale!

Huge Memorial Day Sale in my Addoway Store! Today through May 31!http://www.addoway.com/donnasstuffmore/storefront/

Take 20% off any item priced at $5.00 and above!
Or take 20% off your total order of $5.00 or more!

Use coupon code Soldier at checkout to get this discount.
This coupon expires May 31, 2011.

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.

ITEMS PURCHASED DURING THIS SALE WILL BE SHIPPED ON
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1. PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND WHEN
YOU PLACE YOUR ORDER!

Ah, For the Love of Reading!

"There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all." — Jacqueline Kennedy

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go." — Dr. Seuss, "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!"

There are so many wonderful quotes about reading, but these are two of my favorites.  There is so much to be learned from books, so many worlds to visit!

My personal story of discovering the joys of reading began when I was in third grade. Up to that point, I had been a C/D student. We moved to a new school district part-way into the school year. As if that wasn't bad enough, I got sick with rheumatic fever and was confined to bed for 3 months. My teacher, Mrs. Butler, sent work home for me to do, and my Mom brought home stacks of books from the library every week, and I devoured everything! Back in the 50's, we only got one B&W TV station! My principal wanted to hold me back that year - but Mrs. Butler fought for me and was certain I would do fine if I was promoted. And I was, and by 6th grade I was a straight A student and graduated Valedictorian of my High School class. And it was really because of books, my Mom and Mrs Butler.

I still love to read - and with my Kindle, I can easily keep the books I want to reread! And I read everything - nonfiction, science fiction, historical novels, the classics.  What do you like to read?

Check out the BBC's top 100 books @ ttp://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/bigread/top100.shtml. How many have you read?

I have a variety of books and magazines for sale @ http://www.addoway.com/donnasstuffmore/storefront/ and am always adding more! Check them out - you may find something to expand your world!