HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: karenb@cc.uow.edu.au (Karen  Barrett)
Subject: Re: I'm a Bo-oo-zo and I'm okay..
Organization: University Of Wollongong
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 92 23:19:49 GMT

I have really enjoyed reading this newsgroup over the last couple of years
and, although I have rarely felt that I have been able to contribute much,
I have learnt a great deal and have always felt at ease to ask questions if
I needed help.  I can't help feeling that the nice friendly atmosphere of
this group has really been damaged by this "bozo" comment and I'm glad to
hear that so many of you agree.  I'd hate to think that people will feel
frightened to ask questions in future for fear of being called a "bozo" -
or something equally as silly and unnecessary. I'm afraid that I also
think that it is common courtesy to e-mail the person directly to clarify
the situation (if you do think that someone is abusing the group - which,
for the record, I don't think the poster of the original question was)
before attempting to publicly humiliate them. Just my thoughts but maybe
something for us to consider in future?

>And an also unwarranted charge
>that I would not share my expertise has also been leveled, ignoring
>all the information which I provided in my answer to Michael.

I'm sure your information was appreciated.  Perhaps it was the *way* it
was given.  I think we all need to be aware of giving information in a
way that is polite and helpful, not superior and not sarcastic.  Perhaps
we need to examine our motives for replying.  Am I replying in order to
help the original poster and any others who may have a similar problem
or is my prime objective to appear superior?  I suggest that if the latter
is the case, no reply is a better choice.

>department"?  Or are you so egocentric that you believe that you
>can do everything perfectly yourself, if only you had better computers?
>That is what you are asking for;  for the power to wield the creativity
>and talents of others as if they were your own, and to eliminate the
>need for others.  To be able to create in a self-absorbed vacuum, things

Perhaps I have missed the point but isn't that why we're all here?  Don't
we want to be able to do things ourselves, with or without the aid of
varying degrees of technology, rather than purchasing items (hand-made or
mass-produced) made by someone else?  Certainly, for myself, if I can do
all parts of a project myself, with or without the aid of technology,
rather than using a professional for any part of it, it increases my
satisfaction with the finished item.

>I was right to trigger a Bozo alarm for Michael's request. 

I'm sorry but I can't agree.

Karen.

Newsgroups: alt.sewing,rec.crafts.textiles
From: carolyn@bucket.rain.com (Carolyn Peterson)
Subject: Serger thread question
Organization: Rick's Home-Grown Un*x
Distribution: na
Date:  7 Nov 92 19:06:48 GMT





I would like to hear about the types of thread others have
been using on the serger for regular work.  Is there one type you
prefer to use?  Is there a type you have had problems with?

 
 
Background on my serger thread use: 
 
Stage one: 
I used Egyptian cotton, because the store I bought the serger at
recommended it.  That store is also the only place I have seen this
type of thread.  It works well and is even in texture.  The store is
about 15 miles from my house and I have other thread sources much
closer.  (I did grown up in the "boonies", 40 miles from the nearest
fabric store and 165 miles from better fabric stores, so I realize
that some may be snickering at the 15 miles, but...) 
List price: $3 for 1,200 yard spool 
Discount price: $2.50 if 8 or more spools are purchased 
 
Stage two: 
I didn't want to drive far for thread, so I started using the spun
polyester that the fabric stores carry.  It seems to work fine, but I
have been noticing uneven gobs on the thread as it goes by and that
bothers me.  I wonder if I bought some bad thread or is this common?
Does it just look odd when serging or can it cause problems?  The
gobs aren't noticeable on the finished seams. 
List price: $3 for 3,000 yard spool 
often on sale for $2 each 
 
Stage three: 
For the last couple of projects I tried the long staple polyester
thread.  It is evenly textured and works very well.   
List price: $5 for 1094 yards 
common sale price $3.50 each 
 
If you would prefer to send Email, I can post a summary.  Thanks for
your help! 
 
Carolyn 
carolyn@bucket.rain.com
From: ron.parker@uttsbbs.uucp (Ron Parker) 
Newsgroups: alt.sewing
Subject: Re: Getting on Fibernet
Date: 2 Nov 92 08:38:00 GMT
Distribution: world
Organization: The Transfer Station BBS, Danville, CA - 510-837-4610/837-5591
Reply-To: ron.parker@uttsbbs.uucp (Ron Parker) 

 On 25 Oct 1992 15:56:55 GMT vln@icpsr.umich.edu (Victoria Neff) wrote:    
  
VN . Fibernet is a nifty bulletin board for people interested in fiber.  I belonged   
VN . for a while (and dropped out as I had lousy communications hardward).  I
VN . expect to join back up when we get our new computer (and a modem that claims
VN . to run at 14.4....).  I thought it was really worth-while.

Thanks for the comment; we have missed you, and look forward to seeing
on Fibernet again.  We are at 9600 now and may be at 14,400 by the time
you log on - depending on the fate of a consulting deal I'm working on
<g>.

ron.parker@uttsbbs.uucp  or  ron.parker%uttsbbs%boo@pacbell.com
---
 . JABBER v1.1 #21 . Fibernet BBS, Henning, MN 218-583-4337
From: charleen@net.bio.net (Charleen Bunjiovianna)
Newsgroups: alt.sewing
Subject: Holiday dresses
Date: 10 Nov 92 00:50:17 GMT
Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Biology

Since I have two main festive occasions during the upcoming holidays,
I want to make a dress I can wear to both.

The problem is that they are not exactly similar functions. :-)
In fact, one is a square dance festival, and the other a company
party.  I can just see me in my petticoat at the company bash!

Anyway, I have the fabric already in my closet-full-o-fabric:  moss
green velvet (about 2 1/2 yards) and a red/green/black plaid cotton
shot with gold threads (about 10 yards, it was inexpensive).

What I was thinking was this:  In Ye Olde Olden Days, dresses were
often made with detachable or separate bodices.  What if I make
a lined bodice out of the green velvet, and make two skirts:  one square
dance length (at the knee) with ruffles and a simple skirt in a tea length?
Has anyone tried making a separate skirt and bodice?  I'm having trouble
visualizing how I keep the dress together.  Clearly the bodice comes down
over the waistband of the skirt, but should it be secured with snaps or
what?  What if I reach up to do a Star Thru and the dress goes <pop>? :-)

Thanks for any ideas.

Charleen
From: vln@icpsr.umich.edu (Victoria Neff)
Newsgroups: alt.sewing
Subject: Re: Holiday Gift Projects
Date: 12 Nov 1992 22:21:16 GMT
Organization: Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research
Distribution: usa
NNTP-Posting-Host: tdis.icpsr.umich.edu

In article <BxMH8y.69n@acsu.buffalo.edu> gorman@acsu.buffalo.edu (Anne-Marie K. Gorman) writes:
>
>Hats, mittens, scarves, ear warmers, those things that look like big
>loose turtlenecks without the body and sleeves (neck warmers?).

Wimples!  :-)  Big enough to come up and cover the head, as needed....

Has someone already said Christmas stockings?

Crocheted "snowflake" tree ornaments can be fairly quick and are certainly
inexpensive.

I had a pattern once (well, probably still have it, but don't know where it
is) for a star that is made from ribbon -- all folded.  These are
nice as ornaments, too, and are easy to make.

I've thought of using PostScript to make everyone a calendar that had all
the family birthdays, etc, on the appropriate days, but I haven't done it....

Newsgroups: alt.sewing
From: harmet@bambi.cecer.army.mil (Laura Harmet)
Subject: Re: Embroidered letters
Organization: None
Distribution: usa
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1992 17:20:17 GMT

In article <1992Nov6.002438.3391@cvedc.prime.com>, dorothy@cvedc.prime.com (Dorothy Robinson) writes:
> 
> mike@media-lab.mit.edu (Michael Hawley) writes:
> 
> >but I haven't been able to track down a service that will accept
> >my artwork -- my camera-ready prints or, this being the 90's,
> >my PostScript -- and generate output.
> 
> This may not help you directly, but Pfaff does manufacture a scanner
> that interfaces to their $2000 sewing machine.  Someone correct me if I'm
> wrong here - I saw the beast when I was shopping for my new machine, but
> since it was WAY over my price range I sort of averted my eyes!
> The scanner is about 6x8" or so, and as far as I could tell it programs
> the machine to duplicate the pattern that it scans from your ink design.
> I don't know what the resolution is, but it didn't look too bad.
> 
> It occurred to me to wonder if they would let someone use the machine
> for a fee, like some computer shops do with their scanners and laser
> printers, but I never called to find out, not having a project in mind.
> If you're game, though, you could call some sewing-machine shops that
> handle Pfaff and ask.

You could check with a New Home sewing machine dealer too.  I believe their
top-of-the-line machine has a special scanner too.

Laura
From: charleen@net.bio.net (Charleen Bunjiovianna)
Newsgroups: alt.sewing
Subject: Re: Holiday Gift Projects
Date: 10 Nov 92 00:33:53 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Biology

In article <1dmaenINNo2b@morrow.stanford.edu> liza@pangea.Stanford.EDU (Liza Miller) writes:
>My family made an agreement to make all our gifts this year in an attempt
>to save money.  Soooooo, I am soliciting great ideas.  I already have some,
>but I know this group will have many, many more to consider.  There is no
>theme other than thoughtful gifts that are fun to make.

The Singer books have some ideas for gifts, especially the _Creative
Sewing <mumble>_ one, which has instructions for making portfolios,
padded bags (like makeup bags or purses) and nifty belts.  I wouldn't
mind getting an Ultrasuede portfolio. :-)

Something I did recently and will probably do again is to take fabric
covered heart-shaped boxes, embellish them with lace and ribbon, then
fill them with a dozen of my homemade White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut
cookies (wrapped in cellophane, not plastic wrap).  I got the boxes at
MacFrugal's (formerly Pic N Save); they ran from 99 cents to $2.99.

I've been collecting interesting baskets and picnic hampers all year,
and everyone I know is getting an individualized gift basket for
Christmas, each with a different theme.

Charleen

Newsgroups: alt.sewing
From: riggle@adobe.com (Kathleen Riggle)
Subject: Smocking Questions
Organization: Adobe Systems Incorporated
Date: Thu, 5 Nov 1992 18:36:18 GMT

Well, I posted this to rec.crafts.textiles and haven't received any
responses.  :-(  Does anyone smock here?

----------------------------------------

I learned to smock earlier this year and I love it!  It's so relaxing.
I have a couple of questions, though.

1) The first piece I learned on was an English lawn.  It was wonderful
to work with.  Now, I'm working on a piece of thick Hoffman cotton and
I'm finding that the needle doesn't glide through the fabric that
easily.  I tried changing to a smaller needle, but then the thread
wouldn't go through the eye (I'm using perle cotton.)  Any suggestions
on needle types to try?  I don't remember what the size of the needle
I'm currently using.  It was whatever was suggested in working on the
English lawn.

2) I'm using perle cotton.  That is what the teacher suggested in the
class that I took.  She gave some reason why she used perle cotton
over DMC thread, but I don't remember her reasoning.  What do other
people use and why?

Thanks,

Kathie
-- 
riggle@adobe.com
From: noa@elaine25.Stanford.EDU (Noa More)
Newsgroups: alt.sewing
Subject: Re: holiday gift giving
Date: 9 Nov 92 21:45:24 GMT
Organization: DSG, Stanford University


   liza@pangea.Stanford.EDU (Liza Miller) writes:

   >My family made an agreement to make all our gifts this year in an attempt
   >to save money.  Soooooo, I am soliciting great ideas.  I already have some,
   >but I know this group will have many, many more to consider.  There is no
   >theme other than thoughtful gifts that are fun to make.

A few years ago my brother-in-law and his wife made fleece jackets for
several people on their Christmas list. They bought fleece in lots of
colors and mixed/matched them in the jackets. Buying five colors of 
fleece for one jacket is a pain, but for 10 it's quite reasonable. It 
really justifies the price of the pattern too.

The following year they made beautiful wooden cutting boards, but this
is the wrong group for that.

Last year my husband and I made fanny packs that unfold into backpacks
for several people on our list. I monogrammed the fronts of the packs
before we assembled them, and they came out very nice. I still have some
of the fabric, and I plan to make a few more this year. It really does
help to make several of the same project, using different colors or trims
but leaving the basic pattern unchanged. This goes especially for 
anything with complicated seams or folding. You could also consider 
buying the basic project and decorating it with fabric paint or applique.

Noa
Newsgroups: alt.sewing
From: janez@base.bellcore.com (Jane Zysk)
Subject: Re: More holiday gift ideas...
Organization: Bellcore, Livingston, NJ
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 92 17:04:17 GMT

	I often make cross stitch Christmas ornaments for
	friends and family, although, depending on the
	size and complexity of the pictures, this can
	get time consuming.

	Last year I made fabric covered hangers for my sisters
	and Grandma-in-law.  I had some dark green satin left
	over from a dress I had made, so that's what I used.
	They were really beautiful and were the hit of the
	day! And they're really easy.  I can post the
	instructions, if anyone is interested.

	Jane
Newsgroups: alt.sewing
From: anne@dolores.Stanford.EDU (Anne Paulson)
Subject: Re: Know About Necchi Sergers?
Organization: Stanford University
Date: 13 Nov 92 19:10:33

In article <1992Nov10.211029.15360@searchtech.com> belinda@searchtech.com (Belinda Hoshstrasser) writes:

   Hi!  My mom is considering investing in a serger.  She's
   found what sounds like a fantastic deal on a four thread
   Necchi model with differential feed.  Apparently, the 
   factory is having some kind of sale and this model is
   almost half price (~$400 instead of ~$800, can't remember
   exactly).  


I know nothing about Necchis.  However, in buying a serger, I did
learn a lot about pricing of sergers and sewing machines.  It turns
out that sewing machines are kind of like cars;   the list price bears
little or no relation to the price you actually should pay.  So what
sounds like a fantastic deal (50% off) is actually little better
than what you could normally find if you shopped around.

I recommend that your mother do two things.  One is to try a bunch of
sergers at dealers and see which one she likes.  If it turns out that
the Necchi is not what she wants then no price is a bargain.  She
might find that she really wants a five-thread, because she wants the
variety of stitches, including the superior two-thread flatlock.  Or
she might find that three threads are enough.  Or she might just not
like the Necchi:  maybe it's hard to thread, maybe it's a pain in the
neck to change to the rolled edge stitch....

The second thing is to do some price comparisons.  This would include
calling some mail-order places (whose names and numbers can be found
in the back of Threads).  Typically the mailorder places are cheaper,
although you don't get a class with the purchase, and should the
machine break (which would be unlikely) you'd have to mail it back to
get it fixed.

-- Anne
Newsgroups: alt.sewing
From: karenb@cc.uow.edu.au (Karen  Barrett)
Subject: Family tartans
Organization: University Of Wollongong
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 92 05:03:46 GMT

Recently I have been thinking about tracing the traditional family tartan
of both my and my husband's families (if they even exist!) - we both have 
family roots in the British Isles - but I'm not quite sure where to start.  
I'm going to check my local library this afternoon but I don't really expect 
them to have a great deal of information.  

Has anyone else out there tried to trace their family tartan?  Can you
suggest any helpful books/sources?  What happens if I do track it down
in a book?  Has anyone had any experience ordering a specific tartan
from somewhere?  (I hope I won't have to have it especially woven as
I'm sure I couldn't afford it!)

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Karen.
From: charleen@net.bio.net (Charleen Bunjiovianna)
Newsgroups: alt.sewing
Subject: Re: Airplane quilt
Date: 6 Nov 92 15:23:23 GMT
Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Biology

In article <Nov.5.16.47.39.1992.13026@net.bio.net> charleen@net.bio.net (Charleen Bunjiovianna) writes:
>Now, my beloved is a pilot and I haven't made a quilt in years, but
>I would love to make him an airplane quilt for Christmas and know
>that something I had lavished many hours and much attention on was
>keeping him warm through the winter.
>
>Has anyone ever seen such a design?  I'll be going to the library
>tonight to start searching, but I thought I'd ask here, too.

I did find one book at the library with airplane blocks:

_Patchwork Pictures_ (1001 Patterns for Piecing), by Carol LaBranche,
ISBN 0-915590-70-0.

It's got just about every other kind of picture block you can imagine,
as well.

Debra Dicke sent mail suggesting one of Georgia Bonesteel's lap quilting
books, so I will try to find that as well.

Charleen
Organization: Network Development, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA
Newsgroups: alt.sewing
Date: Mon,  9 Nov 1992 21:33:53 -0500 
From: "Karen L. Frisa" <kf1j+@andrew.cmu.edu>
Subject: Re: Holiday Gift Projects
Distribution: usa

Here are a couple of ideas off the top of my head:

a jewelery roll
pillow covers
canvas tote/shopping bag/project bag
snuggly flannel nightie
lingerie might be fun...

I'm sure other people will have better ideas, but I wanted to share
mine before I take theirs...  :-)

Karen
From: Joann Bessler <joann@geology.ubc.ca>
Newsgroups: alt.sewing
Subject: holiday gift giving
Date: 9 Nov 1992 22:36:01 GMT
Organization: Geological Sciences, UBC, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
NNTP-Posting-Host: hydro.geology.ubc.ca

liza@pangea.Stanford.EDU (Liza Miller) writes:

>My family made an agreement to make all our gifts this year in an attempt
>to save money.  Soooooo, I am soliciting great ideas.  I already have some,
>but I know this group will have many, many more to consider.  There is no
>theme other than thoughtful gifts that are fun to make.

My parents made this rule when I was 7 or 8. Like all good rules it
has exceptions. For instance, "Santa" provides a store-bought toy to
each child. The econimic issue isn't the only one to consider here. I
think it's a great way to tone down the commercialism of the season.

Here are a few ideas for you:

cloth napkins with or without a matching tablecloth
linen handkerchiefs (lace edging would be nice if you have the skills)
crocheted table runner or doily
personalized bookmark (crocheted, quilted, cross-stitched, etc.)
canvas shopping bag (you could decorate it with fabric paints)
silk scarves

When I was little I made a lot of scarves (knitted and sewn) and
coasters. My daughter paints pictures which we frame for grandma
and grandpa. Everyone can get into this act!

Joann Bessler
joann@geology.ubc.ca
Newsgroups: alt.sewing
From: reid@csri.toronto.edu (Karen Reid)
Subject: Christmas tree skirts
Date: 9 Nov 92 18:43:30 GMT

I would like to make a Christmas tree skirt (pieced and quilted)
but am unsure of "good" dimensions.  I lost the pattern I had for
a tree skirt.  I was planning to invent my own pattern but got stuck
on trying to decide what the diameter of the whole thing should be
and more importantly, what the diameter of the hole in the middle
should be.  If anyone can help me out with references to patterns
they have seen or used, or from their own tree skirts, or even just
guessing I would certainly appreciate it.

I will post a summary if there is enough interest.
Thanks,
Karen Reid

reid@csri.toronto.edu
From: ctopp@cup.portal.com (Carol F Topp)
Newsgroups: alt.sewing
Subject: Re: Diaper covers and diapers
Date: Sun,  8 Nov 92 09:38:37 PST
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
Distribution: usa

I am trying out some new diapers I found that would be easy to
make starting with regular prefolded diapers. They are a
prefolded diaper with hook and loop tape hooks(and loops for 
washing and storage) on the upper corners of one side and a
band (actually two large rectangles of loops in the center on
the other side. There is a third loop section centered 4.5 to
6.5 inches from the top for use with small babies. My daughter

is quite small (she won't reach her due date for another week)
but they work ok. I think they will work better when she gets
closer to eight pounds. 

I mention these because it would cost so little to alter regular
prefolded diapers and then you can use nylon (rubber) pants
which are much less expensive than diaper covers. It would
also be quick, thus leave time for . . . 

Carol
From: gorman@acsu.buffalo.edu (Anne-Marie K. Gorman)
Newsgroups: alt.sewing
Subject: Re: Holiday dresses
Date: 12 Nov 92 20:29:39 GMT
Organization: UB

In article <Nov.10.15.48.30.1992.13029@net.bio.net> charleen@net.bio.net (Charleen Bunjiovianna) writes:

>The bodysuit idea that others have espoused is a good one, generally,
>except that I can't wear bodysuits; restricting air flow in the crotch
>area gives me a nasty rash.  

You could replace the wide piece of elastic across the crotch with two 
narrow loops, each of which would go from the front of the bodice down
along the inside upper thigh and up to the back of the bodice:

     #######       <-- waist
     #######
    /  #_#  \
   /   / \   \     <-- legs

Well, I'm a crummy ASCII artist but the # are the bodice and elastic and 
the plain lines are you.

-- 
===============================================================================
Anne-Marie K. Gorman          Sophie and Teresa (9 1/2 months old) are walking!
Human factors/ergonomics      Time flies twice as fast when you're having
University at Buffalo         twice as much fun.
Organization: Network Development, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA
Newsgroups: alt.sewing
Date: Fri,  6 Nov 1992 23:35:04 -0500 
From: "Karen L. Frisa" <kf1j+@andrew.cmu.edu>
Subject: Re: Calif. here I come
Distribution: usa

dmd@cbnewsd.cb.att.com (debra.m.dicke) writes:
> Suggestion for a neat quilt -- I'm in the process of saving
> scraps from all the clothes I've made my daughter and I'm
> going to make her a quilt. The reason I thought this was neat is
> she'll remember each Christmas dress, Halloween costume, first
> day of school outfit, etc

This is a great idea!  My Mom made a crazy quilt out of fabrics from
outfits she made for my sister and I when we were growing up, and
looking at it always brings back memories for me.  Also, now that I
know what it takes to make clothes yourself, I appreciate all that she
did for us that much more.

Karen