The More You Sew The More You Collect.
Don't we collect a lot? The more you sew, the more you collect.
There are the threads, before we go any further, while we are on about threads, don't be tempted to buy up cheap threads when they are on special. No use sewing with good fabric and using cheap sewing thread, it has a habit of fuzzing and breaking when you don't want it to.
For storing anything to do with your sewing, you need to be able to see what you are looking for. So containers that are clear and zip lock plastic lunch bags can get you organised very quickly.
The zip lock bags come in various sizes and you can also get the 'throwaway' storage containers in various sizes too. Check out the lunch bag aisle in your supermarket.
You can get storage drawers, the small kind, Ikea have some great ones that I use. I set up some 'temporary' shelves with these and they worked so well, they have stayed and I have added to them, one at each end, a shelf resting on them, then another two and another shelf. Work your way up until you have the storage you need.
The small drawers are ideal for storing all sorts of bits and pieces and there is room on the shelves to fit heaps of other items you want to store. If you're artistic, you can paint on front of each draw what is stored inside, or make up labels.

Don't throw away herb and spice jars when you have used the herbs, these are ideal for storing buttons, and other types of fasteners.
A cork notice board or pegboard is very handy too. I use both.
If you happen across an office filing cabinet, these are great for storing patterns and fabrics.
We all have those left over fabric pieces, keep similar color tones together in clear plastic zip lock bags, the large ones. You will be surprised at how creative you will become when you see the tonings and prints together.
Patterns are best transferred to plastic sleeves and placed in manila folders with the pattern envelope pasted to the front of the folder. paste it sideways so you can easily see what pattern as you go through the file. Don't forget to include in the plastic sleeve, what you made and the details, any alterations to the pattern etc. This is great for children's sewing, especially if you want to use the same pattern for a younger child.
With all your sewing, if you can find a way to keep your various colors together, it will be much easier to find what you want.
The more organized you become with your sewing, the more you will enjoy your sewing and by being organized you could even save money, being able to find sewing notions easily will save you buying unnecessary items.
The main thing is to enjoy what you are doing.

© CTBaird 2006 SewMoreForU


Insurance In The Form Of A Swimming Pool Safety Fence
Have you installed a swimming pool safety fence or are you going to employ full time lifeguards to supervise your children in the pool this summer? Think of how many kids converge on your home when the weather heats up and how easy it is to court danger and consider the level of peace of mind you want for yourself and your family. A swimming pool safety fence is the only answer.
What could possibly go wrong?
Without a swimming pool safety fence, you leave yourself wide open for a list of realities that you could face. Drowning is the second highest cause of accidental injury-related deaths in children aged fourteen or younger. In the few seconds it takes to turn hamburgers on the barbecue or dash inside for more cold drinks, a child can die. You may or may not hear a splash, but even if you do, it could possibly be too late.
All water activities should be placed behind your swimming pool safety fence. Spas, Jacuzzis, wading pools and buckets are best kept out of harm's way.
Homeowners' liability insurance protects you from the legal ramifications of an accident, but a swimming pool safety fence will protect everyone who is invited to your home from becoming a victim of drowning.
Is a fence enough?
Perhaps; perhaps not. It depends on the layout of your yard, the accessibility of the yard from inside the house, whether there are rocks, tables or chairs that can be climbed on to facilitate entry over the fence, and any number of other elements. A swimming pool safety fence should be at least five feet high, and should not be climbable. No opening should be more than four inches wide, so that children cannot squeeze through.
Audible alarms can be installed so that you will hear if someone is entering through the gate. The closures on self-closing and self-latching gates and doors around the pool must be situated beyond a child's reach and all gates should open outward. You can even install pool safety covers for added protection. Having a phone connected near the pool is another way of ensuring help is never far away. You might also like to erect a sign displaying CPR techniques, and point it out to all who use the pool.
When all's said and done, a swimming pool safety fence is the best physical protection you can provide against child drowning, but adequate supervision is also a must. As a swimming pool owner, it is your responsibility to provide a safe, healthy environment for your own family and for people who come into contact with the pool. Be vigilant for everyone's sake.
Carlo Morelli writes for www.onlineTips.org, where you can read more about aluminum safety pool fences and inground swimming pools.


Bathroom Shower Doors - A simple solution for giving your bathroom a stylish new image!
Shower doors are not only designed to stop water escaping from your shower stall or tub, they can also be used to add a touch of style to your bathroom. If you're looking for a more effective and long lasting alternative to your old shower curtain, installing a glass shower door could be the answer. Shower screens and doors made from tempered glass are sturdy and can stand up to years of use. At the same time, the type of glass you choose can enhance your bathroom's appearance. For example, clear glass is perfect for a light and spacious look. Frosted, molded, colored glass or etched patterns are other options to consider for a unique and attractive finish.
Frameless shower doors are really popular in contemporary bathrooms, with their sleek, modern look. The shower door hardware can be mounted straight onto the glass, for a smart and tidy finish. More traditional framed doors with frames made from various metals, including aluminum and chrome, are another common choice. Think about what style would fit in best with your bathroom's theme and character. If you've a particular look in mind for you bathroom's makeover, not to mention the budget, you might want to consider having a custom shower door made to measure.
When buying a new shower door, it's important to think about practicalities as well as just aesthetics. There's no point in installing a luxurious folding door only to find it bumps into your sink or toilet when you open it! Sliding showers doors are brilliant if space is limited, as they work by gliding along tracks above your tub. For barrier free access to your shower stall, a trackless or accordion-style door can be ideal. Once you've chosen the door that's best for your bathroom's size and layout, it should be simple to install and will instantly improve your bathroom's style and function.
Caroline Smith is a successful author and regular contributor to vanities-bathrooms.com - an online resource for shower doors, shower stalls, bathroom vanities and other bathroom accessories.