About a year ago, I spent over $1000 having about 10 area rugs of different sizes professionally cleaned. When they were returned, I thought they didn't smell clean and their equipment left the pile looking pulled and worn. I mentioned it but the company said that's the way it is. When my dog chose a corner of one of the rugs (made out of 100% olefin) to do his business on, I decided I was not spending any more money. So, took it outside on large slightly sloping clean patio (equivalent to driveways mentioned by other people here) and hosed it like crazy until the water was clear. Then, used some Dawn dishwashing detergent diluted in bucket of water and a broom on backside. Hosed again until clean water again. Carpet was extremely heavy. We struggled to drape it over some patio chairs. Figured we would drag it out to dispose of on bulk garbage day. But, surprisingly, within about 24 hours it was almost dry and there was no smell! $300 rug saved!

Moni, I believe I have a koala. Let me check when I get home. But I don't know how to send attachments with mail through the forum. Send me an email (not through GardenWeb) and I'll reply with the pattern. For an alligator you may be able to use the Fiery Dragon Scarf as a starting point. It is made with a front and back pice, so you could stuff it. Here is a link that might be useful: Fiery Dragon

Thanks everyone! Yeah, I've got the 3/8" nap rollers, as recommended by Faron and others on other threads in the forum. (I do like to research ahead of time, and the wealth of info and insight on this forum is awesome!) And thanks paintguy for the background reasons why others mention the W/M letter patterns and what they are ultimately *for* (getting an even spread). I guess I'm one of those types of people who learn best and avoid mistakes when I have some understanding of the why. Like why do recipes say to add salt to the boiling pasta water--I end up wondering 'does it matter if I leave it out?' :-) Faron, your comment about the slanted letter 'N' was great! It made me feel so much better because when I practicing, the W pattern just did not come naturally to me. Now I have a better idea of what to aim for. Thanks again everyone!

Koala cabinets are very nice - and priced accordingly. Horn makes good cabinets, spendy also, but not as expensive as Koala. Check your local sewing machine dealer, and also Nancy's Notions on line (just google), or Clothilde, both have large internet presences and carry these types of cabinets. I do have a Koala cabinet, and I love it. My good friend has a Horn, and it is equally as good, but not available in as many finishes. Mind you, the "finishes" are all in a laminate, not wood veneers, but that is perfectly appropriate for a sewing cabinet. If you have any carpentry skills, patterns and instructions are also available on-line. My DH has the skills, but not the interest or the time, so I just bought one. It is a complicated job.