Spinach is a bit difficult in the fall here. Especially since it is so hot and dry right now. Go ahead and grow it, but do not be discouraged if you struggle. Plant your carrots now in very good loose soil. A short variety is best. They take a long time to mature and will be ready in the spring for your eating pleasure. Quick short crops are lettuces and radishes if you want to taste your success sooner rather than later! Whole foods, and some Ace hardware stores have seeds that have been held indoors in air conditioned spaces. A few big box stores have seeds but they are sitting outside in heat and humidity with really effects germination.

Look here Here is a link that might be useful: Good Hydro Book

I have been buying magazines these past weeks to find inspiration & direction. A lot of what is in the magazines doesn't seem practical and affordable. I know you are JUST supposed to get ideas, BUT ...... It's tough--on several websites there are assessments to determine your style. According to thisI am eclectic style preferance--that is really tough. I may check out this book.

I can't offer much help since my project is not complete after many months. I tried adding placemat fleece & my machine wouldn't handle it well. I have had lots of interference too. There are some helpful hints I found searching for "sewing leather". If you use any outside topstitching, a teflon foot comes in handy. I am working on a teardrop purse with zippers, multipockets, zippers & etc......even embroidery which turned out very good. I recently bought some confiscated scissors from e-bay. They were all missing their sheath covers. I bought some out of style leather purses at Goodwill for pocket change & took them apart to make sheaths. It was just 2 pieces sewn together from the right side & I did fine with the teflon foot. Maybe I should have started with simplier projects. I bought a whole skin to make the purses. I plan to go to an upholster & get them finished. I do think I will try embroidering the design (School logo) & making checkbook covers out of some of the skin. It is an interesting challenge. I like the smell & feel of working with it.