My Clever Sister in Law

My sister in law - Mary is a very talented sewer, quilter and has also mastered the embroidery machine. She crochets beautifully and even does Karaoke with me (after some wine).

I got a wonderful surprise the other day when I opened a huge envelope to find this - such a clever idea...which of course she embroidered on a towel....and I'm the lucky recipient.

She knows me too well...

 

Thanks Mary Simmons Neill (on right)...you're the best. And now,  not only will I enjoy looking at this but also practicing the art of using a cork screw!

How Clever

While sitting at a recent quilt guild meeting, I was admiring and wondering about something my friend and fellow quilter - Katie Winchell was knitting. I'm always impressed when someone can knit like crazy without ever looking at their hands...this was Katie...knitting like there was no tomorrow.

Curiosity got the best of me and I asked in a puzzled tone...what is it exactly that you are making (looked a little weird to me, too big for a hat) and she told me it was a carrier to bring to the supermarket......

for carrying heavy things. It is ultra strong and super easy to use...Well, Wow, with my love for watermelon and the huge struggle to bring it home and up the stairs....

And then she said, I'm almost done with this one...and it's yours!

So thank you Katie....I love and have used this handy little carrier over and over again...so glad we sat next to each other at guild...I never would have known about it otherwise.

Clever Idea

While teaching at the NC Symposium a short while back, I came upon a very clever idea from a student. 

This gal had as a carrier of sewing supplies, an old suitcase...even had some stamps like the ones of years ago.

When she opened it, the fun began...all of her sewing tools neatly displayed in one place (mine get thrown in a ziplock bag). She started with an insert for the top which she made, covered with batting and fabric. It fit very tightly so it couldn't be removed easily. Next, a long piece of elastic was placed underneath and across the width of the back. Small openings were made on the insert in order to pull the elastic through in a small loop. It was then secured in place with stitching and then continued underneath until it reappeared for the next opening. She said it was really quite easy to do. The main part of the suitcase was for cutting boards, fabric and other large items.

Suitcases used to have a ribbon to hold the top upright; this one was replaced with a colorful grosgrain ribbon. It was such fun to see and goes to every class. I love the people I meet while teaching; they fill me with so much inspiration.