Author Archives: Noile

Cuffing Travel/Trekking Pants

Posted on April 20, 2010 by Noile

Every pair of travel/trekking pants I own has a bunch of features I really like, but no one pair has every feature I like.  The particular pair I’m posting about here are nearly perfect, but the legs are much wider … Continue reading →

Posted in Pants, Tips | 2 Comments

Vogue 1088 and Burda 7658

Posted on April 17, 2010 by Noile

I love the look of Vogue 1088, but the back of the top, not so much. That’s because there is no top at “back of the top”.  Although my hatred for bras exceeds nearly every other prejudice I hold, this … Continue reading →

Posted in Dresses | 2 Comments

Five Fingers — Yes, Baby!

Posted on April 15, 2010 by Noile

OK, this is a controversy I can’t avoid.  Five Fingers!  Lsa, of As I Said . . . , has been scarred by an encounter with my favorite kayaking shoes: Now, I agree with Lsa’s main point — even I … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure/Travel, Fun, Kayak Stuff | 4 Comments

“My Double” Instruction Booklet

Posted on April 14, 2010 by Noile

Miss Bedelia was originally shipped with an instruction booklet, which I was lucky to find on eBay.  It’s got very complete directions for fitting the dress form, and is, all in all, a marvel of clear English.  Which is more … Continue reading →

Posted in Tools | 28 Comments

Miss Bedelia: My New Dress Form

Posted on April 12, 2010 by Noile

Miss Bedelia is my “new” dress form:  she is a gift from my dear aunt, who was kind enough to name her, too, thus sparing her the ignominy of an anonymous existence.  I’ve always wanted one of these, partly because … Continue reading →

Posted in Tools | 10 Comments

Smith-Owen – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Posted on April 9, 2010 by Noile

Smith-Owen were the people who repaired my Pfaff 1229, but even if you don’t have an ailing machine, Smith-Owen is well worth a long visit. The staff is incredibly nice and very helpful — one person even went through a … Continue reading →

Posted in Stores | Leave a comment

Early Olfas

Posted on April 8, 2010 by Noile

The US Park Service maintains a printing office and bindery at 320 Market Street in Philadelphia.  Using replica presses, Park Service employees demonstrate 18th century printing presses and discuss printing in the era of Benjamin Franklin.  It’s a fascinating look … Continue reading →

Posted in Tools, Vintage | Leave a comment

Organization -1798 Style

Posted on April 7, 2010 by Noile

Philadelphia has had to stretch a bit to capitalize on its association with Benjamin Franklin; sometimes this works, and sometimes it doesn’t.  I suspect that many of the visitors to 322 Market Street leave believing that they’ve seen a replica … Continue reading →

Posted in Home, Organization | Leave a comment

If I Were A Doll

Posted on February 13, 2010 by Noile

This is the one I’d be: Peter, of Male Pattern Boldness, has offered a challenge to his readers.  Answer one of three questions, and be considered to win a set of Glamour Girl paper dolls.  I don’t normally do these … Continue reading →

Posted in Fun | Leave a comment

The Kitchen Sink

Posted on February 12, 2010 by Noile

Note: Edits added 1/24/2012, added in italics, and bold, below. There’s been precious little sewing, and even less sewing blogging, around here lately.  There’s always a long list of things that need doing, not many of which require needle and … Continue reading →

Posted in Home | 4 Comments