I was only using prewounds for quite awhile in my machine, but for the past few months I've been winding my own and haven't had a problem with them at all. The only thing I don't like is that I couldn't find the thin bobbin thread anywhere, so I have to use some that is thicker, so the bobbins I wind myself don't last as long as a prewound.
Do you have a sew vac store in your area? That's the only local place I've been able to find the bobbin thread at. We also have an embroidery store that may carry it, but I never checked there b/c it's not as convenient.
A circle skirt would be very cute with the thin corduroy. I also have the Insa pattern but I've never made it. I think it would be great with some of the patterned corduroy that I bought. I'll have to pull out the pattern and look at it.
I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that you get a buyer very, very soon. It must be very stressful. In the meantime, can you get some other estimates for the lawn cutting? Unless the lawn is huge, that seems like a lot of money.
The Insa is sooooo easy. You will kick yourself for having not tried it sooner.
Our lot is 1/2 acre and half the back yard is forest. So it's large, but not $60 large IMO! I will be getting other estimates.
Ok girls I need help post pictures of your favorite pirate fabric. I need something for J for our cruise.
The only pirate I have is from Walmart -- Hancock's had some new ones though. Do you have a Hancock's in your area?
I pay $148 a month for yard service (mowing, trimming, weed control) that's averaged out over the year. In the summer it's once a week, less in the fall/winter. There are a lot of people out of work right now and would probably do it for less. It's probably hard to find someone when you're not there though!! Good luck, hopefully you'll sell it soon! I feel for anyone trying to sell right now!
This was just mowing and trimming -- no fertilizing or anything else. I thought it was high.
My lawn care costs $35 per mow and he comes every 10 days. More often if the weather makes it grow faster. I just call if I need an extra mowing. He will come less often if it's been dry and/or cold and it isn't needed. I'd say our yard was medium sized. That said, I think this particular man is unusually sensible and co-operative. You could always ask for a similar arrangement with whomever you find. The worst they could say is no.
HTH!
Lori in East Podunk
I was thinking every ten would work too -- I can't afford $60 a week! I was estimating $40 as a HIGH estimate so I was a bit surprised to hear $60.
We pay by the cut. They typically come once a week. We have about a 1/2 acre lot. They charge us $25 per cut. Then I pay another guy $40 to come twice a month to weed and prune everything. We only pay when they come. So in the winter, I don't pay anything. DH and I both have no skill whatsoever as gardeners. Plus DH is allergic to everything he touches in the yard. My older daughter used to do the weeding as part of her chores to earn extra allowance but she also started breaking out in hives every time she went out to weed. Maybe Andrea should try to get a few more estimates. We found our current company because they put a flier on our mailbox. They have been very good and very reliable. But I found the weeding/pruning company through a local realtor. They usually have a list of good and reliable companies to recommend.
You have a good deal! I would go for something like that. I have allergies too so I can relate; however I like mowing for the exercise and I'm too cheap to pay someone to do weeding and the like. I did get hives once in the spring. And my eyes are still itching from the mowing I did two days ago. I can't even wear my contacts anymore except for special occasions due to allergies.
Our realtor is the one who recommended this guy!
I am going to e-mail an old neighbor and see if she knows of any services or even any teen in the neighborhood who would do it. I am not looking for perfection -- I just need it to look presentable.
One more school day...then I will be hitting the Disney sewing in earnest until we leave for our trip! In the meantime, I wanted to share 2 shirts I did for my youngest two:
The shirts are from Target - got a great haul on kids' Cherokee t's. They are on sale this week.
The t's look great! I've been very happy with Target's t's for kids (not so much for ladies t's). I am banned from buying anything else though. Your school is out a week before ours. My kids are so sick of school too -- I'm ready for it to be over as well.
O
YAY for ordering all the supplies you need to "play". And can I just say I am so stinking jealous of you and your "spare room" that can be used for a sewing space? My house is busting at the seams so I am banished to the dining room table (which is the ONLY eating surface in our house and also used for homeschooling) so anytime I want to sew I have to drag everything out, set it up and then make sure I put everything back away before I turn in for the night. I know I would get SO much more sewing time if I could just step away without having to clean everything up. So as much as it pains you to get the room cleaned out, be HAPPY that you CAN! (btw, this was all said in lighthearted jest. I am in no way implying that you are anything BUT grateful for your little room. I know it will turn out marvelous!)
Oh thanks for this tip! I tried it and it worked! The thing that is killing me is that I need 10 zippers and they are so ridiculously expensive at Joanns! I could order them from wawak for less than 50¢ a piece, but I don't have time to wait for the shipping on them.
Sunshine
I do not envy your sewing situation! And I thought I had it bad sewing in my laundry room (which is not huge). But at least I can leave my messes out!
How soon do you need your zippers? I ask b/c most stores have decent 4th of July sales. Hancocks had them on sale for 40% off plus an additional 15% off on Memorial Day.
I wanted to share the bit of good news we got around here...My oldest DD Marissa went for another WDW audition yesterday, and made it to the final round. *They kept 25 out of 120 applicants. *This is further than she's made it before, and this time they collected her resume and headshot, as well as took another photo of her for their records. *They said they'd keep her info on file for 6 months. *She was pretty excited. *They were casting for parade performers, and she said there was one lady watching her and taking notes, something that she hasn't noticed before. *Today is another audition, a general dance one like she's attended before, and expects the usual 300+ performers to be there. *This is for holiday shows, and specifically the Tomorrowland
MVMCP one. *The website info said they're looking for pointe also, so she's been dancing all over the house practicing and breaking in the pointe shoes she hasn't worn in a while. * She's loving our new floors for this, we didn't have them during the time she was competing. *So, have a happy thought for her this morning, she has to drive over early for the 8:00 am sign in time. (we live just over an hour away)
And an Amanda update...she took a few steps on Wednesday!!! Her left side is showing more function than the right, but it's still great improvement. She moved into a spine rehab facility over the weekend, and has all sorts of PT and OT every day. She expects to be here for a month, and then it's home. (for the new people, this is the 18 yo DD of a coworker. She fell badly on a trampoline 2 weeks ago and broke her neck) she did have a graduation ceremony last weekend, cap and gown and everything. They skyped the ceremony so she could watch and participate, and then the teachers and a few friends came to deliver her diploma. Her mom said it was really cool. Thanks for your continued prayers and good thoughts!
Congrats to your dd! I'm excited for her and wish her continued success in her future auditions.
And it sounds like Amanda is making great progress. I will keep her in my thoughts