Hi, everyone! Did someone say aprons? Had a number of full-coverage, pin-striped ones my Mom made for me when I was a little girl---ric-rac around all edges---she used ric-rac on sheets, towels, washclothes---we escaped only with our underwear. Now my favorites are used red chef's aprons--cotton-- I've had for 20 years at least---my son gave me about eight old ones from Barnaby's, the pizza place where he worked as a teen. One is always donned religiously when it involves actual cooking. It stays on all day long once the slipknot has been tied in front. While selling cars for years, I wore one if I was doing the usual car-washing or interior detailing. They are so a part of me, I've forgotten to remove one sometimes when running to the store for somesuch. My now 44 yr. old son just shakes his head when I thank him all over again for those beautiful, perfect aprons! Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!\ (We did a family brunch---best Thanksgiving we've ever had!)

I love making purses out of them more than anything! cut just the pockets out and make "Bar Bags" they are just big enough to put your cell phone, ID and a bit of cash in your bag and go out dancing without having to carry your huge purse around with you. I also make the pocket purses cute for little girls too. The fun of those for me is finding unique things to make the straps out of.. everything from old stings of beads from my Mom's last trip to Mardi Gras to ribbons and braided leather strips from an old belt, etc. Love those and they've sold excellently for me too! also the simplest purses are made from my daughter's outgrown jeans skirts. Just sew the bottom hems closed and boom, you got a purse! Soo many ways to decorate them and again fun and funky straps. Just love it! :0) At this last show I saw a woman who was wearing a poncho made out of denim squares. it was so cute! She told me she made it herself using the same techniques you use to sew granny squares together when you are crocheting. I know NOTHING about crochet so I guess that idea is out! LOL Most of all just have fun with it, cuz when it gets to be work, it's a JOB and who wants that!!!! Have a blessed weekend!!! Jenn

The problem with my existing old Singer is fixed. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that the repairman simply tightened the wheel screw further and then no skipping. Maybe it's getting worn or the heavy stitching caused wear in the clutch (or whatever the mechanism is called)or I just had an recent onset of hand weakness because I definitely had tightened it the same as I've been doing for 40++ years after I used the bobbin winder. But I'm happy it's working fine. I got your email, toolgranny, and I feel better about possibly buying a FW on the fly because of your and Beverly's experience. I've gotten some info from the owner and she had said she'll provide me with a bit more tonight (& pictures of stitching) when she gets home tonight. DH saw another CL ad this morning, again in Twin Cities area, so I emailed about that one ($75 less than the other) and am awaiting a reply to my inquiry. I'm still hopeful one or the other will pan out. Ginny

Hello I just found this site and i love it.I love making originals from used items. As for jeans i have found some uses for the part i usually have left over, the top by the pocket area.i have made many stockings.i cut along the zipper to cut the two legs apart, then cut a stocking shape with the inner thigh as the toe,the pocket stays in tack for extra space, back belt loop for hanging,is absolutly adorable. i have also used this part of the jeans for paper by the phone.i just cut it flat on the bottom instead of stocking shape, fill main part with paper and pocket with pens hang by belt loop.these were both items i did with my kids jeans. Right now i just started a garden items holder. i intend to cover a large pair of mens jean overalls with pockets from leftover projects.i hope to keep my garden tools together hanging on the wall in this.i my mind its cute, i'll post a pic when its done. I also have in my minds eye to make a book/small toy holder for my daughters room with the tops of jeans cut down the sides and sewn to a opened up leg piece of jean. nice to meet fellow salvagers... i'll be lurking around...