One other thing, Scott- I was taking note today, in our 88 degree weather and in full sun, which of my brugs were wilting in the sun and which weren't. New Orleans Lady was all wilty. Serendipity and Gemini were all perky. These are just a few examples but it might be helpful if I or someone else makes a list of our observations, to reassure newbies that this is a normal process for some brugs. As soon as the sun went behind the trees, NOL perked right up- you would never know she wilted. Does your brug do the same- perk up after 3, when the shade hits it? And I agree with Karyn, Scott. Relax, let it alone for a day or two. It will survive that much "neglect"!!! If you were close enough, I could give you more brugs, as I am cutting back on my collection. Course, by Fall, I am right back up there!!! ;-) It is so hard to say no to the generous offers of members here but I am getting better. ~Brenda B

Bri, if I am understanding you correctly, I wouldn't worry about the bit of slant you are getting with the cluster stitches. They do sort of lean to the left. It might help if the loop you pull through the last bunch of loops to make the cluster come together is a little loose - make it a teensy bit larger than you usually do. When you come back on the next row it will be easier to make your stitch into it. If this is not what your problem is, can you be more specific?

claybabe, I would say go for a stacking FL set. If you are willing to change a few laundry habits and learn how to use a FL, you won't have any problems getting clothes clean. The fact that you are reading and posting here shows that you are open to suggestions and tipps, so I think you are a great candidate to make the switch. I grew up in Germany where TL with agitators don't even exist. When I moved here, I had the "privilege" to use a TL for a few years. The only thing I liked about them is how fast they finished a load. But that was about it...they just didn't clean well, tore several strings out of pants and shirts, ruined some bras...and I just hated the amount of water and detergents/additives needed to do a load of laundry. A typical load with my FL takes about an hour. The clothes come out clean and without any nasty odors. An extra rinse would add about 15 minutes, but is hardly ever needed/used. Some posters say that an extra rinse negates any water savings, but that is far from the truth. It takes about 4 gallons which adds up to a total of 18 gallons per load. A TL uses almost 25 gallons per fill which is 50 gallons if you do just one rinse! I think the mixed reviews for FLs are mainly due to user errors. Using too much detergent and liquid fabric softener is probably the most common mistake which leads to nasty buildup and musty smells. My washer is 18 months old now and doesn't have the slightest hint of mold. I don't do clean washer cycles or any extra maintenance. I just leave the door open and use hot cycles about once a week. Couldn't be happier with it. Our water usage in the winter is between 2000 and 3000 gallons per month for a household of three. That equals the city's minimum usage! Sorry for the long post. I hope it helps!

When my daughter was 7, she decided she wanted a birthday sleepover party, to include her best friend "Tom". It was a little strange, 6 girls and one boy. I spoke with his mother, she said it was okay with her. He was just a little boy, after all. I very carefully watched the party whole time. Around 2 am , everybody fell asleep in our family room, either on couches or in sleeping bags. "Tom" fell asleep in a big rocker. He was still on the rocker when I woke everyone for breakfast the next day. Oh, the friendship with Tom didn't last, my daughter now has a different boy friend, Mike.